Janice Tjen just etched her name in tennis history, becoming the first Indonesian player in 22 years to win a singles match at a Grand Slam. Now trending among US Open searches, Janice Tjen’s story is captivating American fans. They want to know who Janice Tjen is, how she beat a top-30 seed, and what comes next as she faces 2021 champion Emma Raducanu.
An Historic US Open Debut
Twenty-three-year-old Janice Tjen earned her place in the main draw after storming through qualifying. She faced world No. 24 Veronika Kudermetova in the opening round, an opponent many expected to dominate. Instead, Janice Tjen played confident, precise tennis and won 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Tjen broke Kudermetova’s serve early and held her nerve in key moments. When the final ball sailed out, Tjen fell to her knees and wept with joy—then quickly made headlines from Jakarta to New York.
Trailblazer for Indonesia and the NCAA
Janice Tjen is the first Indonesian woman in a Slam main draw since Angelique Widjaja at the 2004 US Open. Her journey has inspired Indonesian media, with Tjen saying, “I feel proud to do this for my country. Hopefully me making appearance here will inspire more tennis players and believing they can be here too.”
Tjen’s background sets her apart. She played US college tennis at Pepperdine, winning more than 80 matches and earning a degree—a modern American tennis path. She credits her NCAA years for sharpening her game and building her belief in reaching the sport’s highest level.
Season-Long Momentum and Big Match Mentality
This season, Janice Tjen has been on a tear. She won 13 titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour, surging from No. 411 to a career-high No. 149 this month. Most of her wins came on hard courts—the very surface at Flushing Meadows.
Tjen’s aggressive baseline style, relentless energy, and calm under pressure have turned heads. She struck 24 winners against Kudermetova, mixing deep forehands with precise volleys. “I like to play brave,” Tjen told US tennis.com, echoing a mindset shared by US stars like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula.
Next Stop: Showdown With Emma Raducanu
After her historic victory, Janice Tjen now faces a dream second-round clash against Emma Raducanu—the 2021 US Open winner and one of tennis’ most marketable young stars. Tjen admits Raducanu’s “incredible run” in New York inspired her throughout college and during last year’s injury struggles.
The Raducanu match promises a primetime slot and newfound pressure. US Open organizers and ESPN have listed Janice Tjen as a “player to watch,” with social media abuzz about the battle of breakouts.
Role Model for a Global Game
Tjen is now a trailblazer for tennis in Southeast Asia. Her run has driven web searches for “Janice Tjen highlights” and “Janice Tjen next match” throughout the US and Indonesia.
The 5’7″ right-hander cites role models like Billie Jean King and Serena Williams. She describes her competitive style as “American intensity, Indonesian heart,” and says, “A lot of smiles, but total focus inside.”
Career Numbers Tell the Story
Janice Tjen now holds a winning singles record of 55-10 in 2025. She’s at a career-high No. 149, up more than 250 spots in just eight months. Tjen has won ITF titles in the US, China, Belgium, South Korea, and her native Indonesia.
She also won a bronze medal for Indonesia in doubles at the Asian Games, and owns six ITF doubles titles. With total career earnings over $57,000 this year, her rise is as rapid as it is impressive.
What Janice Tjen’s Breakthrough Means for US Fans
The US Open’s melting-pot atmosphere fits Janice Tjen’s story perfectly. Her college roots, international journey, and big-stage composure are drawing new fans. For US audiences, she represents the values of hard work, campus sports, and global dreams.
Win or lose against Raducanu, Janice Tjen’s name belongs on the list of 2025’s breakout sports stories.
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