The 2025 US Open is set to deliver a thrilling second-round clash on August 27, as British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu takes on Indonesia’s rising star Janice Tjen in Flushing Meadows. This highly anticipated match, scheduled for live broadcast on Sky Sports, pits the 2021 US Open champion against a qualifier who has already made history at this year’s tournament. With Raducanu riding a wave of renewed confidence and Tjen blazing a trail for Indonesian tennis, their encounter promises to be a captivating battle of skill, determination, and inspiration.
Raducanu, now 22, is no stranger to the pressures of the Grand Slam stage. Her fairy-tale run to the 2021 US Open title as an 18-year-old qualifier remains one of tennis’s most remarkable stories. This year, she’s back in New York with a fresh perspective, guided by her new coach, Francisco Roig, and a focus on her own game rather than over-analyzing opponents. Her first-round victory over Japan’s Ena Shibahara, a swift 6-1, 6-2 rout, showcased her aggressive baseline play and newfound mental clarity. “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,” Raducanu said after her win. “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.” This shift in mindset could prove crucial as she faces an unfamiliar foe in Tjen.
Janice Tjen, a 23-year-old qualifier, has emerged as a revelation at this year’s US Open. On Sunday, she etched her name into the history books as the first Indonesian player in 22 years to win a singles match at a Grand Slam, defeating 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. The victory marked her first WTA Tour-level win and her first against a top-100 opponent, a milestone not seen for Indonesia since Angelique Widjaja’s 2003 French Open success. “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.” Her performance has ignited hope for a new generation of Indonesian players.
Tjen’s journey to this moment is as inspiring as it is improbable. A former sociology student at Pepperdine University, she was motivated to pursue professional tennis after watching Raducanu’s 2021 US Open triumph. “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.” Tjen’s rookie season has been a whirlwind, with 59 match wins, six ITF circuit titles, and a flawless run through the US Open qualifying rounds without dropping a set. Her rapid rise to the cusp of the top 100 reflects her relentless work ethic and tactical acumen.
On the court, Tjen’s game draws comparisons to three-time Grand Slam champion Ashleigh Barty, whose strategic brilliance she emulates. Her clever shot-making and ability to mix power with finesse have made her a dangerous opponent, capable of challenging even the most seasoned players. For Raducanu, who thrives on rhythm and momentum, Tjen’s unpredictable style could pose a unique test. Yet, Raducanu’s recent form suggests she’s ready to adapt. Her first-round performance was a statement of intent, and her growing confidence under Roig’s guidance has her poised for a deep run in New York.
The stakes are high for both players. For Tjen, a win would mark another historic milestone, making her the first Indonesian player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Yayuk Basuki at Wimbledon in 2000. For Raducanu, it’s a chance to build on her resurgence and prove she can reclaim her place among tennis’s elite. The match, likely to be played on one of the US Open’s main show courts, will showcase two players whose journeys have been shaped by each other’s success. Tjen’s admiration for Raducanu adds a layer of intrigue, while Raducanu’s focus on her own game signals a maturity that could carry her far.
As fans tune in to Sky Sports on August 27, they’ll witness a clash of contrasting styles and shared dreams. Raducanu, with her powerful groundstrokes and relentless energy, meets Tjen, whose tactical versatility and fearless spirit have already turned heads. This second-round encounter is more than a match—it’s a celebration of tennis’s next generation, where history, inspiration, and ambition collide under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows.
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