Learner Tien has interacted with Taylor Fritz on Instagram after losing in the final of the exhibition mixed doubles event at Indian Wells.
Tien took the place of Andrey Rublev, who withdrew as he was unable to arrive in time after being stuck in Dubai, to partner Amanda Anisimova.
Despite being a last-minute pairing, Tien and Anisimova were able to make it all the way to the final.
However, Tien and Anisimova were beaten by Fritz and Elena Rybakina in the final, and they have now interacted on social media.
Learner Tien makes funny comment on Taylor Fritz’s Instagram post
It is the second consecutive year that Fritz and Rybakina have won the Eisenhower Cup mixed doubles event.
Fritz has actually won the event three out of the four years it has been held, winning the inaugural edition with Aryna Sabalenka in 2023.
After splitting a $200,000 prize with Rybakina, Fritz took to Instagram to thank his partner for ‘another carry’.
Fritz wrote, “Had to go back to back. Mixed doubles specialist @lenarybakina thanks for another carry.”
There were many comments on this post, including from Tien, who wrote, “Happy you won I know u need the extra cash,” much to the amusement of many tennis fans.
Who are Taylor Fritz and Learner Tien playing in their first match at Indian Wells?
As attention now turns to the singles, both Fritz and Tien will be hoping to impress at their home Masters 1000 event.
Fritz won the Indian Wells title in 2022, and he will be hoping to replicate his success four years on.
As he is a seeded player, Fritz receives an automatic bye to the second round, where he will play either Jacob Fearnley or Damir Dzumhur.
Tien made his main draw debut at Indian Wells last year, but it resulted in a first round defeat to Mariano Navone.
Following his breakout season in 2025, Tien will be the 25th seed at this year’s tournament and has therefore already gone further in the tournament than he did last year after receiving a bye to the second round.
Tien’s first opponent at Indian Wells this year is already confirmed, as he will play Adam Walton.
In their only previous meeting on the ATP Tour in Delray Beach last year, Tien beat Walton in straight sets.
Tien will play Walton on Friday, March 6, while Fritz’s opening match will not take place until Saturday.
