Janice Tjen of Indonesia (ANI Photo/Naveen Sharma) New Delhi: Indonesia’s rising tennis star Janice Tjen has quickly become one of the sport’s most compelling breakthrough stories. After a stunning 2025 season, she made history by winning the Chennai Open, ending a 23-year wait for an Indonesian WTA singles champion and breaking into the top 50, becoming the first Indonesian woman to do so this century. The 23-year-old rocketed from an unranked college graduate to a career-high 36 (Feb. 2026) in less than two years, amassing 77 wins, eight titles and a 27-game hitting streak. With a debut at the US Open, a final in São Paulo and a convincing journey that saw her almost quit the sport, Janice is now a proud symbol of Indonesia’s return to the world tennis stage. Excerpts from the interview… Q) You went from college tennis to the top 40 in less than two years. What was the most challenging adjustment? Janice: The first few months were difficult. College tennis is at an incredible level in the US. But I think the most different part was that in college you play for something bigger than yourself, like you’re part of a team and you have someone behind you. And suddenly you’re playing professionally and you have no one. It’s pretty lonely compared to college. Q) First win WTA title at the Chennai Open, what did this win mean to you and Indonesian tennis? Janice: It means a lot. It’s huge. Even before that win I had a successful year and to be able to end the year and the season with a tour title was super motivation. Honestly, I didn’t think it would come so quickly. I am very proud to bring Indonesia back to the global tennis scene. Q: Being the first Indonesian woman in over two decades to win a WTA title, does that add pressure or motivation for you? Janice: I would say motivation. I don’t think too much about it and I know that as long as I work hard and give my best, Indonesia is always behind me. I think that’s something I’m very proud to be a part of. Q) Was there a turning point game or week that changed your beliefs as a player? Janice: I would say that maybe the second part, the US Open. It was big for me to qualify for the US Open and then be able to make the first round and win a round there. I think it helped me a lot with my confidence and belief in my level. Q: You almost quit before turning pro. what exactly happened Janice: I know that tennis demands a lot. You basically have to travel every week for the rest of your life, and that’s a very tough requirement for me. I don’t enjoy traveling that much and since I wouldn’t enjoy it and being away from home for so long, I decided to quit. But I had a lot of good people around me and they kept persuading me to try. I decided to trust them and continue. Q) You have played 90+ matches in 2025. How do you maintain physical and mental consistency? Janice: I have a good team around me. My coach Chris Bint is a very positive person and always brings me optimism which has helped me a lot. He is also very knowledgeable and knows how to maintain my physical well being as well as ensure I stay fit and avoid injury. Q) What do you think about India hosting the BJK Cup, how is your preparation going? Janice: I think it’s huge for India. I know they hosted Group I in Pune last year and I have heard many good things about the BJK Cup. With the arrival of many Indians, it means a lot to the nation.
