Janice Tjen Defeats Eala, Becomes First Indonesian to Reach WTA Semifinal in 22 Years

Janice Tjen delivered a breakthrough performance at the SP Open on Friday, defeating 61st-ranked Alexandra Eala 6-4, 6-1 to reach her first WTA semifinal in just her second tour-level event.

The 23-year-old Indonesian, who starred in college tennis at Pepperdine, showed resilience early, rallying from 3-0 down in the opening set before winning 12 of the final 14 games. With the victory, she continues a rapid rise that began just over a year ago when she graduated from Pepperdine University.

Tjen made her main-draw debut at the US Open this summer, where she notched her first win at a major. The then-149-ranked upset No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, in the first round, before losing to Emma Raducanu in round two. 

Tjen was the first Indonesian woman to win a match at a major since 2003 Wimbledon, and she’s up to 130 in the world this week, and 115 in the live rankings after her win today. 

Her run in São Paulo marks another milestone: she is the first Indonesian to reach a WTA semifinal in 23 years, since Angelique Widjaja lifted the trophy at Pattaya City in 2002.

Tjen has been on fire since turning pro, compiling a 62-12 record in 2025, and an overall 103-15 mark across all levels since last June.

“It still feels unbelievable to me, it still hasn’t hit yet,” said Tjen afterwards. “[I was] focusing on every point — especially playing against Alex Eala, we all know she can come back at any time — just trying to focus and stay in it ’til the end.”

Next up, Tjen will face Britain’s Francesca Jones in the semifinals. On the other side of the draw, Renata Zarazua will take on Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.