The 2025 US Open has already delivered its share of drama and surprises, and the second-round clash between British star Emma Raducanu and Indonesian trailblazer Janice Tjen promises to be a captivating chapter in this year’s tournament. Set to take place on Wednesday, August 27, at Flushing Meadows, the matchup pits the 2021 US Open champion against a rising qualifier who has drawn inspiration from Raducanu’s historic triumph. Tjen, a 23-year-old making waves as the first Indonesian to win a Grand Slam main draw match in 22 years, spoke with admiration and excitement about facing her idol, setting the stage for an emotionally charged encounter on one of New York’s iconic show courts.
Tjen’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. Entering the year ranked No. 411 in the WTA standings, she has climbed to a career-high No. 149, with her recent performances propelling her to No. 126 in the live rankings. Her first-round victory over No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova, a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 battle, marked a historic milestone for Indonesian tennis, the first such win since Angelique Widjaja’s triumph at the 2004 US Open. Tjen’s emotional celebration—dropping to her knees after a decisive backhand volley—reflected the significance of the moment for both her and her homeland. “It means a lot,” Tjen said, her voice brimming with pride. “I feel proud to be able to do this for my country.”
Reflecting on her upcoming opponent, Tjen revealed the profound impact Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory had on her own career. At the time, Tjen was sidelined by injury and watching from her college dorm in the United States, where she studied at Oregon and later Pepperdine University. Raducanu’s fairytale run, as an 18-year-old qualifier who stormed through the tournament without dropping a set to claim the title, left an indelible mark. “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 shared. “Just seeing her doing it inspired me to be able to do it as well. Emma is very big, like everyone loves Emma at home.” Her words highlight the universal appeal of Raducanu’s story, particularly in Indonesia, where fans have embraced the British star’s meteoric rise.
Tjen’s admiration extends beyond Raducanu’s on-court achievements. She anticipates a lively atmosphere for their match, acknowledging the spotlight that follows the 2021 champion. “My first thought is just, like, it’s going to be a big crowd, I would say, a bigger crowd playing against her,” Tjen noted. “She’s a very well-known player, and I’m just excited for the opportunity.” The prospect of playing on a major show court, likely Louis Armstrong or Arthur Ashe Stadium, adds to the stakes for Tjen, who has thrived under pressure with a 55-10 record in lower-level matches this season.
Raducanu, meanwhile, is riding a wave of renewed confidence. Her first-round win over Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara, a commanding 6-1, 6-2 performance, marked her first US Open victory since her 2021 title run. Now ranked No. 35, the 22-year-old Brit has found stability with new coach Francisco Roig, formerly part of Rafael Nadal’s team, and a unique addition to her support staff—chiropractor Jerome Poupel, who likens her tenacity to that of a racehorse. Raducanu’s aggressive baseline play and precise serving overwhelmed Shibahara in just 62 minutes, signaling her intent to make another deep run in New York. “I’m very pleased to have won that match,” Raducanu said post-match. “It’s my first win here since 2021, so it’s extra special.”
The matchup is further intriguing due to Tjen’s playing style, which has drawn comparisons to three-time Grand Slam champion Ashleigh Barty. Tjen, who considers Barty her role model, has studied the Australian’s versatile game, particularly her sliced backhand, which she has incorporated into her own arsenal. “I would say [Barty is] my role model,” Tjen explained. “I watch a little bit of her matches and try to copy what works for me.” This tactical similarity could pose a challenge for Raducanu, who is favored to win with a 78% probability according to predictive models, but Tjen’s recent upset over Kudermetova suggests she is capable of defying the odds.
As the tennis world turns its attention to this second-round clash, the narrative is as much about inspiration as it is about competition. For Tjen, facing Raducanu is a chance to measure herself against a player who sparked her own ambitions. For Raducanu, it’s an opportunity to continue her resurgence on the court where she made history. With a passionate crowd expected to pack the stands, this match promises to be a celebration of resilience, talent, and the enduring power of dreams in the sport of tennis.
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