Irvine's Tien is learning to win on the big stage

Learner Tien, a 20-year-old left-hander from Irvine coached by Michael Chang, beat Adam Walton 7-6 (3), 7-6 (8) at the BNP Paribas Open and is ranked inside the top 30 after rising rapidly from No. 736 a year ago.

Tien, a 20-year-old left-hander from Irvine, advanced at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with a straight-sets win over Adam Walton. A year ago he was ranked No. 736 and he is now inside the top 30, having reached as high as No. 23 after the Australian Open. He is being coached by Michael Chang. Tien said Indian Wells is an important tournament for him and that his first win there meant a lot. Match and ranking details: - Tien defeated Adam Walton 7-6 (3), 7-6 (8) in the second round on Stadium Court 3. - He was seeded 25th in the tournament field. - Going into the BNP Paribas Open he was ranked No. 27 and had reached No. 23 earlier in the year; a year earlier he was No. 736. - He is coached by Michael Chang, the 1989 French Open champion. - His next scheduled opponent is fellow American lefty Ben Shelton, the No. 8 seed, who advanced after beating Reilly Opelka. Summary: Tien's win extended his stay at Indian Wells and highlighted growth in his match play, including adjustments to his positioning and more net approaches. He described the victory as confidence-building and a sign that he can problem-solve during tight matches. Next up for Tien is a match against Ben Shelton.