Janice Tjen Eliminates Nao Hibino at the Birmingham Open

Janice Tjen has started the grass court season with promising results. The Indonesian women's tennis player claimed victory over Japanese athlete Nao Hibino in the first round of the WTA 125 Birmingham Open 2026. 

Janice displayed strong mental fortitude as she secured her ticket to the second round after a fierce three-set battle.

Per official Birmingham Open records, Janice defeated Nao with a final score of 2-1 (6-4, 3-6, 6-2). This win acts as critical preparation for Janice ahead of the full series of European grass court tournaments Running throughout the summer season.

Janice competed with confidence and controlled gameplay from the very start of the first set. Despite Nao mounting a tight resistance and closing the gap to 5-4 during the ninth game, Janice successfully retained her focus.

She held her lead through to the end of the opening set, closing it out 6-4. This result provided a major confidence boost for the Indonesian player.

Nao did not concede easily however. Upon entering the second set she shifted to more aggressive play and took command of the match. Janice briefly equalised at 3-3, before Nao regained her competitive rhythm.

With consistent controlled play, Nao wrapped up the second set 6-3, forcing the match into a deciding final set.

It was during this high-pressure moment that Janice showcased her highest level of ability. She pushed on the offensive immediately at the start of the decider to build a rapid 4-0 lead.

Janice's dominance left Nao unable to establish her own gameplay style. Even after Nao narrowed the deficit to 1-4, Janice maintained full intensity on court.

Precise, efficient play carried Janice to close the final set 6-2, confirming her advance to the second round of the 2026 Birmingham Open.

For her next match, Janice will face the winner of the fixture between ANTARA Ashlyn Krueger and Himeno Sakatsume.