Janice Tjen Pushes Former US Open Champion Before Guadalajara Exit

The fifth-seeded Indonesian fell 6-7(4-7), 6-7(3-7) to the 2017 US Open winner at the Panamerican Tennis Center in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

The match remained tightly balanced throughout, with neither player able to secure a decisive advantage during regular play, Antara reported. Both sets were pushed to tie-breaks after the two players held serve through 12 games to level at 6-6.

Despite the defeat, Tjen outperformed Stephens in several statistical categories. She fired 11 aces compared with just two from the American and won 75 percent of points on her first serve, slightly higher than Stephens' 72 percent.

However, Stephens proved more effective on second-serve points, winning 75 percent compared to Tjen's 41 percent. The Indonesian also struggled with consistency at key moments, committing five double faults, while Stephens recorded only one.

Overall, Stephens collected 80 points during the match, compared with 74 for Tjen. The American capitalized on both tie-break opportunities, while Tjen was unable to convert either into a set victory.

The result ended Tjen's run at the WTA 500 tournament after she had opened her campaign with a straight-sets victory over Czech player Darja Vidmanova. She won that first-round encounter 7-6(5), 6-2.

For Stephens, the victory secured a place in the quarterfinals, where she will face fellow American Peyton Stearns, who advanced after eliminating fourth seed Diane Parry of France.

The Guadalajara meeting also marked the first career encounter between Tjen and Stephens at the WTA Tour level, providing the Indonesian with valuable experience against one of the most accomplished players in the tournament field. ***