🎾 Janice Tjen’s meteoric rise redefines Indonesia’s place in world tennis
Her four titles, WTA Awards nod, and soaring global ranking mark Indonesia’s biggest tennis success since Yayuk Basuki.
🎾 The Main Takeaway
🇮🇩 Janice Tjen’s rise continues to make waves; the 23-year-old Indonesian tennis star has been nominated for the 2025 WTA Awards, marking one of the most remarkable breakthroughs of the season.
📈 Starting the year ranked No. 578, the 23-year-old soared to No. 53 in the world, collecting four titles, a 27-match win streak, and her first WTA singles and doubles crowns at the Chennai Open 2025 in early November, alongside compatriot Aldila Sutjiadi.
🏆 Tjen became the first Indonesian in 23 years to win a WTA singles crown, closing her season with a 72–12 record.
🌍 Tjen’s nomination puts her among elite names such as Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Naomi Osaka.
“I would say it’s unexpected. On paper, the rankings do jump out a bit, but I don’t really think too much about numbers. I’m just trying to work and see what’s going to happen.” (Janice Tjen, WTA Tennis)
🔍 Why It’s on Our Radar
💫 Historic moment for Indonesia: Tjen’s success is the nation’s best since Yayuk Basuki peaked at No. 19 globally in 1998.
🎓 College-to-pro transition: From Pepperdine University to world tour champion.
💪 Hard work and consistency: Tjen credits discipline, resilience, and a strong connection with coach Christopher Bint.
🌸 Role model: Her journey inspires Southeast Asia’s next generation of tennis players.
“Tennis is a very expensive sport where you have to travel, and then you have to hire a coach. All of these expenses add up, and it’s not easy for me and my family. Luckily, there’s a college route that helped me to continue to develop my game and put myself in a better position to turn pro.” (Janice Tjen, WTA Tennis)
🌏 The Regional Lens
🇵🇭 Alexandra Eala makes history for the Philippines, the 20-year-old cracked the Top 50 WTA Rankings (No. 50), becoming the first Filipina ever to do so.
🔥 Her breakthrough season included a semifinal run at the Miami Open, where she beat Iga Świątek, Madison Keys, and Jelena Ostapenko, followed by a title win in Guadalajara.
🏅 Like Tjen, Eala’s rise signals a new era for Southeast Asian women’s tennis, showing that perseverance and regional pride can translate into global recognition.
⚖️ What’s at Stake
🎾 Both Tjen and Eala are reshaping Southeast Asia’s tennis story, from long-overlooked contenders to chart-topping athletes.
🌍 Their success brings renewed visibility to the region’s tennis development programs and inspires cross-border collaboration in sports, although this sport may be considered less popular among most people in Indonesia.
📣 Fans can support Janice Tjen through the WTA Fan Favorite Vote on the official WTA website.
📸 Beyond the Headlines
🎾 First Indonesian WTA singles champion since 2002
📅 Chennai Open 2025 — Singles and Doubles (with Aldila Sutjiadi) Champion
🌍 Current ranking: No. 53 (WTA)
👩🏫 Alma mater: Pepperdine University (USA)
🤝 Coach: Christopher Bint (New Zealand)
Need More Angles?
Punto de Break Janice Tjen, the Indonesian Miracle
WTA Tennis Eala becomes first Filipina to crack Top 50 in WTA rankings
WTA Tennis From college courts to Chennai glory: Janice Tjen’s breakthrough year in tennis
(ELS/QOB)