Janice Tjen’s Rise: A New Era for Indonesian Tennis?
Indonesia’s Janice Tjen is making waves on the international tennis circuit, recently achieving a career-high ranking of 36 in the WTA rankings. This marks a significant milestone, bringing her closer to Yayuk Basuki’s long-standing national record.
Impressive Form in the Middle East Swing
Tjen’s ascent is largely attributed to her strong performance during the Middle East Swing, culminating in impressive results at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. She secured a fourth career win against a Top 30 player, defeating Leylah Fernandez – a rematch of their Australian Open 2026 encounter.
Competing as a wildcard, Tjen reached the round of 16 at the WTA 1000 Dubai event, a first for her at this level of competition. Prior to Dubai, she showcased her skills at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, where she defeated Beatrice Haddad Maia in straight sets before facing Iga Swiatek.
A Historic Ranking and Echoes of the Past
Tjen’s current ranking places her in the Top 40, a position no Indonesian tennis player has held since Yayuk Basuki in 1998 – a gap of 28 years. Basuki still holds the national record for highest ranking, having reached number 19 in 1997.
While Tjen recently faced a setback at the Merida Open, losing to Camila Osoria in the first round, her overall trajectory remains positive. She briefly led in the first set before ultimately falling to Osoria 4-6, 3-6.
Swiatek’s Dominance in Doha
Earlier in February, Iga Swiatek defeated Janice Tjen in the second round of the Qatar Open with a score of 6-0, 6-3. Swiatek’s experience as a six-time Grand Slam champion proved decisive on the hard courts of Doha.
What’s Next for Janice Tjen?
Tjen’s progress is a testament to her dedication and growing skill. Her ability to secure victories against highly ranked opponents, like Fernandez, demonstrates her potential to continue climbing the WTA rankings. She is now focused on building momentum and consistency as she navigates the international tour.
Pro Tip:
Focusing on consistent serving and return games will be crucial for Tjen to maintain her upward trajectory. Improving her ability to break serve and capitalize on opponent errors will be key to winning more matches against top players.
FAQ
Q: What is Janice Tjen’s current WTA ranking?
A: 36.
Q: Who is Yayuk Basuki?
A: A former Indonesian tennis player who holds the national record for highest WTA ranking (19 in 1997).
Q: Where did Janice Tjen recently compete?
A: The Qatar TotalEnergies Open in Doha and the Merida Open in Mexico.
Q: Who defeated Janice Tjen at the Qatar Open?
A: Iga Swiatek.
Q: What is Janice Tjen’s goal?
A: To continue improving her ranking and potentially surpass Yayuk Basuki’s national record.
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