The remarkable US Open run of qualifier Janice Tjen came to an end on Thursday, as she was defeated by a resurgent Emma Raducanu in a display of championship-caliber tennis. Tjen, who had captivated Flushing Meadows with her unique style and a string of impressive victories, was ultimately overcome 6-2, 6-1.
Tjen entered the match as one of the tournament’s most dangerous dark horses, having proven her ability to disrupt and defeat higher-ranked opponents. Her journey to the second round was a testament to her skill and tenacity, establishing her as a credible threat to make a deep run in the tournament.
However, she ran into a player channeling the form that once made her unbeatable on these very courts. Raducanu rose to the challenge with impeccable poise, refusing to let Tjen’s unconventional game settle. The former champion used her power and experience to control the match from the start, effectively ending the qualifier’s giant-killing streak.
While Tjen’s Cinderella story concludes, her performance at the US Open marks her as a player to watch. Ultimately, it took a vintage, championship-level effort from a returning New York hero to halt her incredible momentum.