As the 2025 US Open heats up in Flushing Meadows, all eyes are on a thrilling second-round matchup between British sensation Emma Raducanu and Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is no stranger to the spotlight, but her opponent, the 23-year-old Tjen, is carving out her own narrative as a game-changer in women’s tennis. Here are nine fascinating facts about Tjen, whose meteoric rise and fearless play have set the stage for an electrifying clash on August 27, 2025.
## 1. A Historic Milestone for Indonesia
Janice Tjen etched her name into tennis history on Sunday, becoming the first Indonesian player in 22 years to win a singles match at a Grand Slam. Her stunning upset over 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova (6-4, 4-6, 6-4) marked her first WTA Tour-level victory and her first win against a top-100 opponent. This triumph, Indonesia’s first in a Grand Slam main draw since Angelique Widjaja’s 2003 French Open success, underscores Tjen’s role as a trailblazer for her nation. “It means a lot,” Tjen shared. “I feel proud to be able to do this for my country. Hopefully, by me making an appearance here, it will help inspire more tennis players, younger kids to play tennis and also believing that they can be here too.”
## 2. Inspired by Raducanu’s 2021 Triumph
Tjen’s journey to the professional circuit was sparked by none other than her upcoming opponent, Emma Raducanu. Watching Raducanu’s fairy-tale run to the 2021 US Open title as a qualifier, Tjen, then a sociology student at Pepperdine University, found herself inspired. “When Emma won the tournament and had 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 recalled. “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.” Raducanu’s historic victory as the only qualifier to win a Grand Slam title planted a seed of belief in Tjen, proving that dreams of professional success were within reach.
## 3. A Meteoric Rise in Her Rookie Season
Tjen’s first season on the professional tour has been nothing short of remarkable. Unranked when she began her pro journey after graduating from Pepperdine in 2024, she has skyrocketed to the brink of the top 100, thanks to an impressive record of 59 match wins and six ITF circuit titles. Her flawless performance in the US Open qualifying rounds, where she didn’t drop a single set, secured her maiden Grand Slam main draw appearance. Tjen’s rapid ascent reflects her relentless drive and ability to compete at an elite level.
## 4. A Strategic Game Modeled After Ashleigh Barty
Tjen’s playing style draws comparisons to three-time Grand Slam champion Ashleigh Barty, a player she considers a role model. The young Indonesian has meticulously studied Barty’s tactics, incorporating clever shot-making and strategic variety to outfox opponents. This approach has fueled her success, allowing her to compete against higher-ranked players with confidence and poise. Her ability to blend power with finesse makes her a formidable challenge, even for a player of Raducanu’s caliber.
## 5. A Journey Sparked by Friends
Tjen’s entry into tennis wasn’t a solo decision. Born in Jakarta in May 2002, she was encouraged to pursue the sport by her close friend, Priska Nughoro, and Filipina player Alexandra Eala. Their support, coupled with her parents’ encouragement, set Tjen on a path to professional tennis. Her first-round win, alongside Eala’s victory, marked a proud moment for Asian tennis, highlighting the region’s growing presence on the global stage.
## 6. From College to the Pros
Tjen’s academic journey took her from the University of Oregon, where she began her undergraduate degree in 2020, to Pepperdine University after a year. Balancing sociology studies with her tennis aspirations, she graduated in 2024 before taking a leap of faith into the professional circuit. Encouraged by her coaches and supporters, Tjen’s transition from college athlete to pro has been seamless, with 13 ITF titles to her name in just one year.
## 7. Aiming for Another Historic Feat
A victory over Raducanu would propel Tjen into uncharted territory: she would become the first Indonesian player, male or female, to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Yayuk Basuki at Wimbledon in 2000. This potential milestone adds extra motivation for Tjen, who is eager to continue rewriting history for Indonesian tennis.
## 8. Facing an Unfamiliar Foe
Raducanu, known for her analytical approach to scouting opponents, may face a unique challenge in Tjen, a player she likely hasn’t encountered before. However, Raducanu’s confidence remains unshaken. After her swift 6-1, 6-2 victory over Ena Shibahara in the first round, she spoke about her shift in focus: “I think I’m probably watching less now. I just have a good awareness of the opponent, what they like to do and a lot more centred around me.” Tjen, meanwhile, is relishing the chance to test herself against a player she admires. “I’m just excited for the opportunity,” she said.
## 9. A Match Poised for Drama
Scheduled for August 27, 2025, likely on one of the US Open’s main show courts, the Raducanu-Tjen clash promises to captivate audiences. Raducanu, buoyed by her new coach Francisco Roig and a renewed sense of confidence, is enjoying her return to New York. “I’m enjoying getting better and the process of feeling like at the end of the day I’m satisfied I got a little bit better,” she said. Tjen, with her fearless momentum and Barty-inspired game, is ready to seize this moment. As two players inspired by each other’s journeys collide, the stage is set for a battle that could define their US Open campaigns.
This matchup isn’t just a second-round encounter; it’s a clash of determination, inspiration, and rising talent. Whether Tjen can pull off another upset or Raducanu continues her resurgence, this match will be a testament to the power of belief and the unpredictable magic of the US Open.
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