Emma Raducanu, the British tennis phenomenon who etched her name in history with her 2021 US Open triumph, faced a compelling challenge in the second round of the 2025 US Open, defeating Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1 on August 27, 2025. The match, a showcase of Raducanu’s resurgence, also spotlighted Tjen, a 23-year-old whose remarkable journey from college tennis to the professional stage was laid bare by her coach, Chris Bint, in a revelation that stunned the tennis world. Tjen, inspired by Raducanu’s own fairy-tale run four years prior, admitted to drawing motivation from the Briton, while Raducanu’s dominant performance underscored her determination to reclaim her place among tennis’ elite. This clash of past and aspiring champions painted a vivid picture of ambition, growth, and the relentless demands of professional tennis.
Raducanu’s 2025 US Open campaign marked a significant milestone. After painful first-round exits in 2022 and 2024, and an injury-forced withdrawal in 2023, she returned to Flushing Meadows with renewed confidence under new coach Francisco Roig, a former mentor to Rafael Nadal. Her first-round win over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara (6-1, 6-2) was her fastest professional victory, setting the stage for her clash with Tjen. Against the Indonesian, Raducanu was clinical, breaking serve early and maintaining control with aggressive groundstrokes and a revitalized serve, dropping just three games in a 68-minute rout. “I’m very pleased to have won that match. It’s my first win here since 2021. So it’s extra special,” Raducanu said, her voice tinged with relief and pride. Her 26th win of the season, a career high, reflected a player finding her rhythm after years of injury setbacks and coaching changes.
Tjen, however, was no ordinary opponent. The 23-year-old, ranked No. 150, had caused a stir in the first round by upsetting 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova in a gritty three-setter, marking her as a dangerous qualifier. Her coach, Chris Bint, revealed a staggering detail about her journey: just a few years ago, Tjen “had no idea how professional tennis worked.” A former college player at Pepperdine University, she was sidelined by injury during Raducanu’s 2021 US Open run, watching in awe from her dorm room. “When Emma won the tournament and was having an incredible run here, I was actually in college, and I was injured at the time, so I got to watch a lot of tennis,” Tjen shared. “Just seeing her doing it made me inspired to be able to do it, as well. Emma is very big. Everyone loves Emma at home. She’s a very well-known player, and I’m just excited for the opportunity.” Bint’s revelation underscored Tjen’s rapid ascent, having transitioned from college tennis to the professional circuit with limited knowledge of its demands, yet showing remarkable potential.
Raducanu, aware of Tjen’s admiration, acknowledged the added pressure. “I’d seen something like that. It puts a bit of pressure on me,” she admitted with a smile, reflecting on the surreal experience of inspiring a rival. Despite the mutual respect, Raducanu’s focus was unwavering, her performance a testament to her work with Roig. “I’m really enjoying working with Francis. He’s a great person to have on and off the court,” she said, crediting his technical expertise for her improved serve, which held firm against Tjen’s aggressive returns. However, her run ended in the third round against Elena Rybakina, a 6-1, 6-2 loss that highlighted the gap to the elite. “It’s the 26th win of the year for me. The most I’ve had in a single season. I think first of all the consistency of doing good work,” Raducanu said, reflecting on her progress despite the defeat.
Tjen’s story, meanwhile, captivated fans. Bint revealed that her lack of professional tennis knowledge stemmed from her focus on college academics and limited exposure to the WTA Tour’s structure. Yet, her upset over Kudermetova and competitive showing against Raducanu signaled a bright future. “Janice has come so far in such a short time. She’s learning the ropes and starting to believe she belongs,” Bint said, hinting at her potential to emulate Raducanu’s qualifier-to-star trajectory. For Raducanu, the match was a reminder of her own journey and the pressures of fame, with 2.9 million Instagram followers watching her every move. As she prepares for the China Open in Beijing on September 24, her resolve remains strong: “I’m working towards playing better and being a better tennis player.” The US Open clash between Raducanu and Tjen was more than a match—it was a collision of dreams, resilience, and the promise of new chapters in tennis’ ever-evolving story.
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