"Why is Jack Draper even here?"; "Absolutely ridiculous" - Fans furious over Learner Tien being 'snubbed' of 2025 ATP Breakthrough of the Year

Fans were unhappy to learn that Learner Tien wasn't nominated for the ATP Breakthrough Player of the Year in favor of nominees Jack Draper, Joao Fonseca, Valentine Vacherot and Jakub Mensik.

The 19-year-old American won his first ATP tour title this year and jumped 100 places in the rankings. However, it appears it was not enough to get nominated over Draper, Fonseca, Vacherot and Mensik.

This led to trouble in paradise among fans who were not happy with Tien's snub.

"I’m not even one of his shooters but there’s really no way to explain Tien being left off of here. Insane snub tbh," one fan wrote. "This is absolutely ridiculous. Someone should get fired for this," another added. "Why is Jack Draper even here lol his breakthrough season was 2024," one fan commented. "Where is Tien? Why is Draper here?" one fan asked. "Jack Draper, son of former LTA CEO who turns 24 in December finished 2024 season ranked 15, this year he finished ranked 10, he's been nominated for the breakthrough of the year, ahead of 19 year old Learner Tien who jumped around 100 ranking places. Make of that what you will," one fan added. "Wow,how can you forget Tien⁉️💯👎👎😳" another asked.

Why many think Learner Tien should have been nominated?

Learner Tien of the United States plays a forehand in the Men's Singles Second Round match against Andrey Rublev during day two of the Rolex Paris Masters 2025 on October 28, 2025 in Nanterre, France. (Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images) - Source: Getty

Learner Tien won his first ATP Tour title at the Moselle Open in Metz. After the win, he broke into the top 30 of the ATP Rankings, jumping over 100 places. He also reached the final in Beijing.

In 2025, Tien won several important matches and even upset top-10-ranked players, including at the Moselle Open in Metz. In the 2025 Australian Open, he defeated Daniil Medvedev as well.

On the other hand, Draper won three titles this season while struggling with injuries. João Fonseca won two titles and made gains in rankings. Meanwhile, Jakub Mensík and Valentin Vacherot were more of a surprise pick, but they also had great seasons in their own way.

One needs to understand, though, that the award is not for a player who made a big jump in the rankings only. It's given to someone who made a breakthrough mark in the season by having a year out of the ordinary.

Edited by Krutik Jain