In a tournament where rising stars can make their name, Emma Raducanu expertly navigated a tricky second-round challenge against the unheralded but dangerous Janice Tjen. The British No. 1 showed her championship mettle by producing a disciplined and dominant performance to win 6-2, 6-1, proving she was well-prepared for an opponent who was largely an unknown quantity.
Janice Tjen entered the match as one of the tournament’s most intriguing stories. A 23-year-old Indonesian who turned pro just over a year ago, she had amassed a phenomenal winning record and plays with a distinctive style compared to Ash Barty, featuring a heavy forehand and a disruptive backhand slice. Her upset win in the first round meant Raducanu had to be on “full alert.”
Faced with this unique challenge, Raducanu responded with tactical brilliance. She nullified Tjen’s strengths by serving with precision and power, which prevented Tjen from getting into rallies on her own terms. Raducanu then systematically targeted Tjen’s backhand corner with clean, early strikes, never allowing the Indonesian to settle or deploy her variety effectively.
By turning a potential banana-peel match into a straightforward victory, Raducanu demonstrated not just a return to form but also a mature, professional approach. She acknowledged Tjen’s quality post-match, showing respect while underlining her own satisfaction with how she “kept dictating the play.” This ability to solve problems on court will be crucial as she heads into a third round that promises a significant step up in competition.