Janice Tjen has climbed the ranks to become the top women’s player in Indonesia, boasting a WTA singles title and three doubles championships. At just 23 years old, she peaked at No. 53 in the WTA singles rankings in November, with her coaches anticipating even greater achievements ahead. Tjen showcased her progress by causing an upset in the Australian Open, defeating Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the first round. Despite Fernandez being the 22nd seed, Tjen triumphed 6-2, 7-6 (1) in one hour and 43 minutes.
During the match, Tjen recorded four aces, 17 winners, six double faults, and 27 unforced errors, while Fernandez managed two aces, 16 winners, five double faults, and 28 unforced errors. Tjen capitalized on four of seven break points and won four of 10 return games, whereas Fernandez only secured two of eight break points and two of 10 return games. Tjen is set to face off against Karolina Pliskova from Czechia in the next round.
In women’s doubles action, Toronto’s Victoria Mboko, the sole Canadian woman to win her first-round singles match, partnered with American Iva Jovic to defeat Ulrikke Eikeri of Norway and Ingrid Neel of Estonia 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 31 minutes. Mboko and Jovic displayed a strong performance, finishing with three aces, two double faults, and a 70% first-serve point win rate. Their dominance was evident in return games, winning four out of 10 games, compared to Eikeri and Neel’s two out of 11. Mboko and Jovic are scheduled to play against the winner of the match between Romania’s Sorana Cirstea and Russian Anna Kalinskaya versus the fourth-seeded Elise Mertens of Belgium and Shuai Zhang of China.
Elsewhere, Jannik Sinner advanced swiftly in the Australian Open, winning his match decisively as his opponent, Hugo Gaston, retired due to an undisclosed injury while trailing 6-2, 6-1. Sinner, the No. 2 seed, is aiming to achieve a rare three-peat at the tournament. Additionally, Naomi Osaka made a striking entrance at Rod Laver Arena, sporting a unique outfit inspired by a jellyfish. Osaka went on to defeat Antonia Ruzic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
In other matches, Ben Shelton, a semifinalist from the previous year, overcame Ugo Humbert in a tough first-round battle, and Lorenzo Musetti advanced due to Raphael Collignon’s retirement. The Australian Open witnessed several thrilling matches, with players showcasing their skills and determination on the court.
The ongoing action at the Australian Open promises more excitement and surprises as top players compete for victory and new talents emerge on the tennis scene.