Andre Agassi told AFP on Tuesday that "incredibly gifted" teenage American Learner Tien has the raw ability and mental steel to become one of the top tennis players in the world.

The 19-year-old Tien reached the final of the China Open in Beijing this month and last week pushed former number one Daniil Medvedev to three sets at the Shanghai Masters before being beaten in the last 16.

Speaking in Hong Kong, retired great Agassi spoke glowingly about his young compatriot, who is widely regarded as one of the rising stars of men's tennis.

"He has learned the game phenomenally well. He is incredibly gifted, not just with his game, but with his mind," said the former world number one and eight-time Grand Slam champion.

"He has to overcome certain physical limitations versus other guys, as f

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