After a strong Australian Open campaign, Learner Tien is preparing to compete in the Dallas Open.

A host of American players are set to take part in the event alongside Tien, including Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Alex Michelsen.

The event, last won by Shelton, will take place from Monday, February 9 until Sunday, February 15.

Ahead of the event, Tien took part in a question and answer session with the ATP Tour, where he was asked to reveal his biggest hope, and his biggest fear.

And unlike his peers, Tien offered a rather funny response.

Learner Tien’s biggest fear is ‘having to work in an office’

Many of the ATP’s biggest stars offered an insight into their personal goals and ambitions for the future.

For example, Casper Ruud said his biggest goal is to win a Grand Slam, while Joao Fonseca described the act of passing away as his biggest fear.

Frances Tiafoe also expressed his desire to win a major, while adding that not fulfilling his potential is his greatest fear.

Learner Tien offered more varied takes when answering the questions.

The American said his biggest hope was to ‘never have to work a real job.’ Tien also described his biggest fear as ‘having to work in an office.’

This rather hilarious take epitomises the good-natured attitude Tien displays on and off the court. The American is one of the most likeable figures on the Tour and one can only hope he continues to rise up the rankings throughout this year.

Learner Tien’s Dallas Open draw

Tien does not have an easy first-round match in the Texas city.

Tien faces 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic in the first round. Cilic, 37, recently rolled back the years to reach the Australian Open third round, defeating Daniel Altmaier and Denis Shapovalov.

From there, Tien’s draw becomes a little more open. If he defeats Cilic, the American will play Ethan Quinn or Trevor Svajda in round two.

If Tien makes the last eight, he could play Flavio Cobolli, who has been in poor form to start 2026.

From there, Tien could play top seed Taylor Fritz in the semi-final, and Ben Shelton in the final.