Tjen Makes History: First Indonesian Victory at US Open in 22 Years

Janice Tjen Makes History for Indonesia at the US Open

Janice Tjen has achieved a historic feat for Indonesian tennis at the US Open, securing the first singles victory for her country in a Grand Slam tournament in 22 years. This triumph leads her to face a US Open champion who has been one of her greatest inspirations: Emma Raducanu. Tjen surpassed the number 24 seed, Veronika Kudermetova, with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted 2 hours and 11 minutes. With this victory, she secures a place in the next round against the 2021 US Open winner, who previously qualified through the qualifying rounds before conquering the title at Flushing Meadows. The 23-year-old tennis player earned her place in the tournament, becoming the first Indonesian player to participate in singles in a major tournament since Angelique Widjaja at the 2004 US Open. Widjaja was also the last Indonesian player to win a match at a Grand Slam, achieving this feat at Wimbledon in 2003.

When Emma won the tournament and had an incredible career here, I was in college and injured at the time, so I was able to watch a lot of tennis. Seeing her do it inspires me to be able to do it too.

Janice Tjen

Played college tennis at Oregon and finished her career at Pepperdine, where she was the NCAA doubles runner-up in 2024. After graduating this spring with a sociology degree, she considered whether to try playing professionally.

I think during my college years I was always contemplating whether I should try it or not. In the end I decided to try and the Pepperdine coaches told me they thought I should try, at least for two years. So I trusted them, and here I am.

Janice Tjen

Tjen arrived at the tournament with a 55-10 record this year, playing lower-level matches. From May to July, he won 27 consecutive ITF matches, a streak that included five titles. Tjen recovered after losing a 3-1 lead in the second set, finishing the match with a backhand volley on match point and falling to his knees near the net. In the next round, you will have the opportunity to face Emma Raducanu.

It’s going to be… well, my first thought is that there will be a big crowd, I would say, a bigger crowd playing against her. She’s a well-known player and I’m excited for the opportunity.

Janice Tjen