‘I almost quit’: Janice Tjen opens up on journey to WTA success | TOI Exclusive

New Delhi: Indonesia’s rising tennis star Janice Tjen has rapidly become one of the sport’s most compelling breakout 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 surged into the top 50, the first Indonesian woman to do so this century. The 23-year-old rocketed from an unranked college tennis graduate to achieving a career-high ranking of 36 (as of Feb 2026) in under two years, amassing 77 wins, eight titles, and a 27-match streak.

With a US Open debut, a São Paulo final, and a compelling journey that nearly saw her quit the sport, Janice now stands as a proud symbol of Indonesia’s return to the global tennis stage. Excerpts from an interview...




Q) You went from college tennis to the top 40 in under two years. What was the toughest adjustment?

Janice: The first few months were tough. College tennis has an unbelievable level in the US. But I think the most different part was that in college, you are playing for something bigger than yourself, like you are part of a team, and you have somebody behind you. And suddenly you are playing professionally and you have no one. It’s pretty lonely compared to college.



Q) Winning your first WTA title at the Chennai Open, what did that victory mean for you and Indonesian tennis?

Janice: It means a lot. It’s huge. Even before that win, I had a successful year, and being able to end the year and the season with a tour title was super motivating. Honestly, I didn’t think it was going to come that quickly. I am very proud to be able to put Indonesia back on the global tennis scene.



Q) Being the first Indonesian 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 keep working hard and giving my best, I always have Indonesia behind me. I think that’s something I am very proud to be part of.



Q) Was there a turning point match or week that changed your belief as a player?

Janice: I would say maybe the latter part, the US Open. That was big for me to come and qualify for the US Open and then be able to make the first round and win a round there. I think that helped me with my confidence a lot and believe in my level.



Q) You nearly quit before turning pro. What exactly happened?

Janice: I know that tennis demands a lot. You have to basically travel every week all your life, and that’s a very tough demand for me. I don't like travelling as much, and considering that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy that and being away from home for that long, I decided to quit. But I had a lot of good people around me, and they kept convincing me to give it a try. I decided to trust them and continue.

Q) You 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 he always brings optimism to me, and that has helped me a lot. He’s also very knowledgeable and knows how to maintain my physical well-being, as well as ensuring I stay fit and avoid injuries.

Q) Your thoughts on India hosting the BJK Cup, how are your preparations?

Janice: I think it’s massive for India. I know they hosted Group I last year in Pune, and I heard many good things about the BJK Cup. With many Indians coming up, this means a lot for the nation.
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