Indonesia’s Janice Tjen Ends Alex Eala’s Run at SP Open

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala saw her impressive run at the SP Open in São Paulo, Brazil come to an end after a tough quarterfinal battle against Indonesia’s Janice Tjen on Saturday, September 13, 2025 (PH time).

A Strong Start from Eala

Eala, ranked world No. 61, began the match with momentum, quickly racing to a 3-0 lead in the opening set. The 20-year-old appeared in full control, dictating rallies and pressuring her opponent into errors.

However, Tjen, currently world No. 130, refused to fold under early pressure. The Indonesian mounted a steady comeback, winning three consecutive games to level the first set at 3-3.

Eala briefly regained the upper hand by breaking the tie and taking a 4-3 lead. Yet, Tjen’s resilience proved decisive as she regrouped and claimed the next three games, ultimately closing out the first set.

Tjen Holds Nerve in the Second Set

The second set began with Eala once again striking first, winning the opening game to hint at a possible comeback. But Tjen, playing with composure beyond her ranking, maintained her focus and kept the momentum on her side.

From there, Tjen took control of the match and wrapped up the set to secure her place in the semifinals of a WTA event for the first time in her career.

In her post-match interview, the Indonesian credited her ability to stay calm in high-pressure moments.

“We all know that she (Eala) can come back at any time, so I was just trying to focus and stay in it until the end,” Tjen said.

Eala’s Tournament Recap

Despite the quarterfinal exit, Eala delivered another commendable run in her breakout season. She earlier defeated Yasmine Mansouri of France in the Round of 32 and Julia Riera of Argentina in the Round of 16, extending her winning streak to seven matches before bowing out against Tjen.

Eala entered the tournament riding high after winning her first WTA singles title at the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico. Her surge also propelled her to a career-high ranking inside the top 70 of the WTA Tour.

While her quarterfinal loss was a setback, Eala’s performance further established her as one of the rising young stars in women’s tennis.

What’s Next for Alex Eala

Looking ahead, Eala is expected to compete at the Jingshan Open in China, scheduled from September 22 to 28. The event offers her another opportunity to earn valuable ranking points and continue her pursuit of a maiden WTA Tour 250 title.

As she continues her campaign, Eala remains a figure of pride for Philippine sports, inspiring young athletes with her determination and steady rise on the international stage.

Historic Run for Tjen

For Janice Tjen, the victory marked a historic milestone. The Indonesian not only reached her first WTA semifinal but also scored a significant upset over one of the most promising young players in the world.

With her breakthrough performance in São Paulo, Tjen now has a chance to build on this momentum and further climb the WTA rankings.