Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, received a surprising perspective from her second-round opponent, Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen, who admitted she “had no idea how tennis worked” when she started playing at age 10. Ahead of their match at the 2025 US Open on August 27, Tjen’s candid reflection on her late start and rapid rise has been framed as a reality check for Raducanu, highlighting the unpredictability of facing a relatively unknown but talented player (*Express.co.uk*, August 26, 2025).
## Tjen’s Unorthodox Journey and Mindset
Tjen, ranked No. 222, upset No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the first round, showcasing her aggressive baseline game and mental toughness (*USOpen.org*, August 24, 2025). In a post-match interview, she revealed her unconventional path: “When I started, I had no idea how tennis worked. I just hit the ball as hard as I could. My coaches taught me structure, but I still love to play free” (*Express.co.uk*). This raw approach contrasts with Raducanu’s polished technique, serving as a reminder of the diverse challenges in the draw. Tjen, who turned pro in 2023 after training at Stanford, also expressed admiration for Raducanu’s 2021 triumph, noting, “She’s an inspiration, but I’m here to compete” (*Tennis.com*, August 26, 2025).
## Raducanu’s Response and Form
Raducanu, coming off a 6-1, 6-2 rout of Ena Shibahara in 62 minutes—her fastest Grand Slam win—acknowledged Tjen’s threat: “She’s a qualifier, but she’s dangerous. I need to stay sharp” (*BBC Sport*, August 24, 2025). Raducanu’s 22 winners and 81% first-serve points won against Shibahara signal her resurgence, bolstered by new coach Francisco Roig and chiropractor Jerome Poupel (*Tennis365*). However, Tjen’s fearless style, evidenced by her 32 winners against Kudermetova, poses a test for Raducanu, who has struggled with consistency since 2021, exiting early in 2022 and 2024 (*USOpen.org*). Fans on X noted the contrast, with one post stating, “Tjen’s ‘no idea’ vibe vs. Emma’s precision? This could be spicy!” (@TennisFanUK, August 26, 2025).
## Broader Context
Tjen’s rise, from a late starter to a Grand Slam qualifier, mirrors the underdog stories of players like Coco Gauff or darts’ Beau Greaves, who challenge established stars like Luke Littler. Raducanu, aiming to reclaim her 2021 magic, faces a potential third-round clash with Aryna Sabalenka if she overcomes Tjen (*CBSSports.com*, August 25, 2025). Tjen’s heartwarming message post-2021, congratulating Raducanu, adds intrigue to their matchup (*Express.co.uk*). As Raducanu navigates this reality check from an unorthodox rival, her focus and adaptability will be key to advancing in the 2025 US Open.
