Journey to Jeddah: The calm, assured rise of Learner Tien & Rei Sakamoto's growth

ATP Tour

Journey to Jeddah: The calm, assured rise of Learner Tien & Rei Sakamoto’s growth

Watch episode one of many new Journey to Jeddah sequence, which options Tien and Sakamoto

November 30, 2025

“I simply go on the market and try to get pleasure from it as a lot as I can.”

Relaxed, unhurried and backed by a quiet, unwavering self-belief, Learner Tien radiates ease as he displays on a breakthrough season that has turned heads throughout the ATP Tour.

Nonetheless simply 19, the rising American surged into the title match on the 2024 Subsequent Gen ATP Finals offered by PIF and now returns to the 20-and-under showdown in 2025 as one of many gamers to observe. His 12 months featured a sequence of firsts and milestones, together with a maiden ATP 250 crown in Metz, marking him as one of many sport’s fastest-climbing abilities.

Within the opening episode of the brand new Journey to Jeddah sequence, Tien rewinds to his earliest reminiscences on court docket, shares what he’s realized from his debut 12 months on Tour and opens up about competitiveness, strain and why friendships with friends matter greater than most individuals realise.

“I believe all of the younger guys do an important job at pushing one another. It helps seeing acquainted faces in new locations,” Tien says. “So many different guys live nearly the identical life as you… It’s reassuring to know you share a lot in frequent with the individuals round you.”

Additionally entering into the highlight in Episode 1 is Japan’s Rei Sakamoto. The 19-year-old, recognized for his self-proclaimed quirky persona and booming serve, is navigating the pivotal transition from juniors to the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour. Coach Federico Ricci is inspired by Sakamoto’s growth, however highlights the significance of sharpening focus as the following stage of his profession begins to unfold.

That includes professional perception from Lee Goodall and Sweet Reid-Harrop, episode one units the scene for a compelling sequence forward, charting the journeys of the sport’s most fun younger names as they race towards Jeddah. Watch the primary episode now.

The 2025 Subsequent Gen ATP Finals offered by PIF will happen from 17–21 December.