New Delhi: Rising Indonesian tennis star Janice Tejan has quickly become one of the sport’s biggest breakout stories. After a stellar 2025 season, she made history by winning the Chennai Open, ending a 23-year wait for an Indonesian WTA singles champion, and breaking into the top 50, the first Indonesian woman to do so this century. The 23-year-old went from an unranked college tennis graduate to a career-high ranking of 36 (through February 2026) in less than two years, racking up 77 wins, eight titles and a 27-match streak. With a US Open debut, a Sao Paulo final, and an epic journey that almost cost her the game, Janis now stands as a proud symbol of Indonesia’s return to the world tennis stage. Excerpts from an interview… Q) You went from college tennis to the top 40 in less than two years. What was the hardest adjustment? Janice: The first few months were tough. College tennis has an incredible level in America. But I think the most different part was that in college, you’re playing for something bigger than yourself, like you’re part of a team, and you’ve got somebody behind you. And suddenly you’re playing professionally and you have nobody. It is quite lonely compared to college. Q) Your first win WTA The Chennai Open title, what did that win mean to you and Indonesian tennis? Janice: It means a lot. It’s huge. Even before this win, I had a successful year, and to be able to end the year and season with a Tour title was extremely encouraging. Honestly, I didn’t think it would come so soon. I am very proud to be able to bring Indonesia back to the world tennis scene. Q) Being the first Indonesian in two decades to win a WTA title, does it pressure or motivate 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, Indonesia is always behind me. I think it’s something I’m very proud to be a part of. Q) Was there a key match or week that changed your belief as a player? Janice: I would say probably the last part, the US Open. It was big for me to come and qualify for the US Open and then make the first round and win a round there. I think it helped me a lot with my confidence and believing in my level. Q) You almost quit before turning pro. What exactly happened? Janice: I know tennis is very demanding. You basically have to travel every week for the rest of your life, and that’s a tough call for me. I don’t like traveling that much, and considering that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it and be away from home for so long, I decided to quit. But I had a lot of good people around me, and they kept persuading me to try. I decided to trust them and continue. Q) You played 90+ matches in 2025. How do you maintain physical and mental fitness? Janice: I have a good team around me. My coach, Chris Bunt, is a very positive person, and he always brings me hope, and that has helped me a lot. He is also very knowledgeable and knows how to maintain my physical fitness, as well as make sure I stay fit and avoid injuries. Q) What are your thoughts on hosting the BJK Cup in India, how are your preparations? Janice: I think it’s huge for India. I know they hosted Group I in Pune last year, and I had heard a lot of good things about the BJK Cup. With so many Indians coming, it meant a lot to the nation.
