Angelique Widjaja Follows Mentor's Footsteps, Invites Children to Free Tennis Clinic

A different scene unfolded amidst the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors Deddy Tedjamukti International Junior Championships 2025 in Jakarta. Among rows of young tennis players competing seriously, the court suddenly filled with laughter from children holding rackets nearly as big as themselves.

They came not to chase world points, but to learn to hit balls, laugh, and embrace the never-give-up spirit of Indonesian tennis legend Deddy Tedjamukti – the very spirit once taught by the late coach.

Angelique Widjaja, the former national tennis player familiarly called Angie, initiated this activity. Alongside fellow players like Sandy Gumulya, Beatrice Gumulya, and Lavinia Tananta, Angie invited children to join tennis training as part of the social program within this ITF J30-level tournament.

"May this activity help restore healthy smiles to Indonesian children, aligning with the mission of the Indonesian Children's Cancer Foundation," said Angie, who once reached world No. 55 and was Deddy’s student since age nine.

Tennis, Hope, and Legacy

This year, the tournament collaborated with the Indonesian Children's Cancer Foundation (YKAI). This partnership transformed the international event beyond competition into a space for sharing life spirit with child cancer survivors from underprivileged families.

The tournament's values resonate with the philosophy of the legend memorialized in its name. Deddy Tedjamukti wasn't just a tennis coach but a life mentor for many young Indonesian athletes. He believed tennis transcends sport, serving as a vehicle to cultivate character, discipline, and empathy.

Fierce on Court, Warm in Heart

Competitively, battles among Indonesia's young players proved equally compelling. The girls' singles guaranteed an All-Indonesian Final after Shinar Zahra Shukayna Heriyadi Sunggoro and Daniella Clara Surjapranata both defeated Thai opponents.

Top seed Shinar won 7-5, 6-4 against Paweenon Nualsri, while Clara overcame Paramee Tadkaew 6-4, 6-4.

"I'll strive to perform my best. My head-to-head record against Clara is 1-0," Shinar stated post-match.

In the boys' draw, M. Alfaradu Sumirat became Indonesia's sole finalist after defeating Eric Matthew Gunawan 6-2, 6-1. He'll face South Korea's Geonhyung Kim, who earlier overcame Rafa Jeconia Verdasco Mangunsong 6-3, 6-4.

This tournament concluded the seven-event international junior tennis series in Indonesia throughout 2025. Since last year, it has received the ITF Tournament Recognition Award, a prestigious accolade from the International Tennis Federation.

Remembering the Calm Guidance of a Coach

Deddy Tedjamukti (1964–2024) remains a towering figure in Indonesian tennis history. Renowned for nurturing young talents, including Angie Widjaja – who under his guidance won the 2001 Junior Wimbledon Grand Slam title, a rare achievement for Indonesian tennis.

Deddy passed away on October 5, 2024, after a two-year battle with cancer. Today, his spirit and dedication live on through this tournament, which not only crowns new champions but safeguards the humanity behind sports.

The Deddy Tedjamukti International Junior Championships isn't merely a tennis competition but a celebration of the values he instilled: hard work, sincerity, and love for the sport. In every ball struck, there lies a determination to continue that legacy. (Antara)