After becoming the first Indonesian player to advance past the US Open qualifying rounds since 2004, Tjen continued her impressive run to secure a spot in the second round. There she will face fellow rising star and former champion Emma Raducanu.
The 23-year-old displayed remarkable composure and skill against the seeded Kudermetova, ranked 120 places above her. Tjen's consistent forehand from the baseline, combined with deep sliced backhand defenses and decisive net approaches, earned her 26 winners throughout the match. In the final set, she saved two break points in the seventh game, preserving her one-game advantage and securing the decisive 6-4 victory.
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Tjen hits a backhand during her first-round match against Kudermetova at the US Open, Flushing Meadows, New York, 24/8. Photo: USO |
Tjen hits a backhand during her first-round match against Kudermetova at the US Open, Flushing Meadows, New York, 24/8. Photo: USO
Tjen arrived at the US Open on a hot streak, boasting a 55-10 record this year, primarily from lower-level tournaments. Between May and July, she dominated the ITF circuit with a 27-match winning streak, claiming five titles.
The Indonesian player honed her tennis skills in the US as a star player at the University of Oregon. Before turning professional, Tjen graduated with a degree in sociology. "I was hesitant, but my coaches encouraged me to give professional tennis a try for two years," she shared about her decision to pursue a career in the sport.
Tjen anticipates her second-round match against Raducanu, citing the former champion as an inspiration. Five years ago, Raducanu also put aside a conventional career path to pursue professional tennis after graduating from university. The British player of Chinese descent then triumphed at the 2021 US Open, creating one of the most memorable underdog stories in Grand Slam history.
"I watched Raducanu win while I was in college, taking time off from competing due to an injury," Tjen said. "Since then, I've yearned to play on this court." Before making her mark in this season's tournaments, Tjen helped Indonesia secure a bronze medal in women's doubles at the 2022 Asian Games at the age of 19.
Also on the opening day of the US Open, another Southeast Asian player, Alexandra Eala, defeated 14th seed Clara Tauson in a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) match. Eala became the first Filipina to win a main draw match at the US Open. "I've known Tjen for a long time, as we often crossed paths in junior tournaments," Eala shared about her colleague, who is three years her senior. "It's wonderful to see her here and achieving victory. I hope we continue to inspire each other."
Vy Anh
