🎾 Southeast Asia makes history at US Open 2025
Janice Tjen and Alex Eala lead new wave of tennis stars for Indonesia and the Philippines 🇮🇩🇵🇭
The Main Takeaway
🇮🇩 Janice Tjen became the first Indonesian in 22 years to win a Grand Slam main draw match, stunning No.24 seed Veronika Kudermetova in Round 1 at the US Open 2025.
🇵🇭 Alex Eala followed with the Philippines’ first-ever US Open main draw win, edging No.14 Clara Tauson in a three-set thriller. Both achievements mark a watershed moment for Southeast Asian tennis.
“It means a lot. I feel proud to be able to do this for my country.” (Janice Tjen, CNBC Indonesia, August 25, 2025)
Why It’s on Our Radar
📺 Global spotlight: AFP called Tjen’s victory “historic,” while Reuters hailed it a “milestone for Southeast Asian tennis.”
🌍 Regional pride: Alex Eala praised Tjen, noting how Southeast Asian players are finally breaking through on the biggest stage.
🏆 Changing the narrative: For two decades, Indonesia and the Philippines had no Grand Slam singles winners — until now.
What’s at Stake
For Tjen: sponsorship deals, WTA momentum, and a chance to reignite Indonesian women’s tennis.
For Eala: proof she belongs among the world’s elite and a rallying symbol for Filipino tennis.
For the region: a reminder that Southeast Asia can nurture Grand Slam contenders beyond badminton and football.
“I’m so happy to see the progress of tennis in Southeast Asia in general. I know that a girl from Indonesia also won her match today. I’ve known her for a long time, so I’m happy for her. I’m happy that players from this region are coming up and starting to be successful.” (Alex Eala, CNN, August 27, 2025)
The Big Picture
🇮🇩 Janice Tjen – Born in Jakarta (2002), Pepperdine University standout, 13 ITF titles, Asian Games bronze medalist. Beat Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 before falling to Emma Raducanu.
🇵🇭 Alex Eala – At 20, overcame Clara Tauson in her first Grand Slam main draw win. Already the 2022 US Open junior singles champion, trained at Rafael Nadal Academy, and broke into the WTA top 100 earlier this year.
🇮🇩 Yayuk Basuki – Indonesia’s tennis pioneer, who reached Wimbledon’s Round of 16 in 1997, reminded officials that players like Tjen succeed “on their own dime,” calling for more state support for athletes.
Why This Hits Home
🙌 Southeast Asia is writing a new chapter in tennis history.
🌏 Young athletes across Indonesia and the Philippines now have role models proving Grand Slam success is possible.
💡 With better support systems, the region could see its first consistent Top 50 singles player in the coming years.
“Hopefully me making appearance here will inspire more tennis players and believing they can be here too.” (Janice Tjen, CNBC Indonesia, August 25, 2025)
Beyond the Headlines
📈 Tjen has jumped from world No.301 to No.149 in under six months.
🎤 Raducanu praised Tjen as “a super dangerous opponent.”
🏟 The Filipino crowd at Flushing Meadows gave Eala a home-court feel near Queens’ Little Manila.
🔮 Both players hint at a brighter future for Southeast Asian tennis, once considered an afterthought on the world stage.
"I think Janice is playing some really dangerous tennis. She's gone through some tough opponents. Beat one of the top seeds first round. Playing really well and I think she can build and take a lot of confidence from this week. It was great to play her. I look forward for the next time.” (Emma Raducanu, The Express, August 27, 2025)
Need More Angles?
CNN Indonesia, Profil Janice Tjen, Wakil Indonesia Pembuat Kejutan di US Open 2025
CNN Philippines, ‘I take so much pride in representing my country,’ says rising Philippines tennis star Alex Eala after making US Open history
SindoNews, Perjuangan Janice Tjen, Kemenangan Kilat Emma Raducanu, dan Curhat Yayuk Basuki ke Pemerintah
CNBC Indonesia, Asing Sorot Petenis RI Janice Tjen, Sejarah di US Open-Kalahkan Rusia
- The Express, Emma Raducanu shows class with touching message to US Open star
(VBD/ELS/QOB)