RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - After a breakthrough run in Madrid, Indonesian tennis player Janice Tjen faced another early exit on the WTA Tour, bowing out in the opening round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2026 in Rome on Wednesday, May 6.

Janice fell to American Peyton Stearns in a hard‑fought match at Court 13 of Foro Italico, lasting one hour and 25 minutes before conceding 4–6, 4–6, Antara reported.

Stearns built her advantage in the first set with two aces, while Janice managed a stronger first‑serve percentage at 62.1 percent. The American, however, converted two of five break points to secure the opener.

Janice attempted a comeback in the second set, firing five aces and improving her first‑serve percentage to 66.7 percent. Yet Stearns, playing cleanly without double faults compared to Janice’s two, dominated in return points and converted another two of five break opportunities to close out the match.

The 24‑year‑old Cincinnati native, ranked No.49 in the world, will next face compatriot and 17th seed Madison Keys, who received a first‑round bye.

For Janice, currently ranked No.40, the defeat echoed her struggles during the American swing in March, where she exited in the first round at the Merida Open, Indian Wells, Miami, and Charleston.

She broke that streak in Madrid, advancing to the second round in singles and reaching the quarterfinals in doubles alongside compatriot Aldila Sutjiadi. The Indonesian duo is expected to reunite in Rome after recent joint practice sessions. ***