Indonesian tennis player Janice Tjen reveals her most dangerous opponent at SEA Games 2025.
Source: Antara Multimedia
Indonesian women's tennis player Janice Tjen is on high alert ahead of competing in the tennis event at the 2025 Thailand SEA Games. Among several Southeast Asian rivals, one name has captured Janice's attention: Alex Eala, the Filipino tennis star who recently broke into the WTA top 50 rankings.
Janice emphasized that the SEA Games aren't just an ordinary regional tournament. Competition is intensifying, especially with top players from Thailand and the Philippines participating. For Janice, Eala is the standout threat.
"There will definitely be many tough opponents. From Thailand, and also from the Philippines. Alex Eala is now top 50 in the WTA. It certainly won't be easy," Janice told Antara after training in Jakarta on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
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Heated Rivalry: Janice vs Eala Since Junior Days
Janice acknowledged knowing Eala since their junior level days. Every encounter, she noted, has been a high-intensity battle. However, she stressed that their upcoming duel won't be influenced by past results.
"Yes, she's definitely one of the toughest opponents. But regardless of previous outcomes, if we end up facing each other, it's a new match," said Janice.
This rivalry gains intrigue considering their current rankings. Janice sits at world No. 53 after winning both singles and doubles titles at last November's Chennai Open. Meanwhile, Eala holds the WTA No. 50 spot following her Guadalajara Open championship victory.
Eala Returns to SEA Games as Janice Makes Full-Focus Debut
The 2025 SEA Games will mark Eala's comeback after her last appearance at the 2022 Vietnam SEA Games, where she secured three bronze medals in women's singles, mixed doubles, and team events.
Meanwhile, Janice will make her Southeast Asian Games debut. Rather than setting lofty targets, she prefers maintaining focus on her performance.
"I'm not overthinking it. I'm more focused on each match, how to deliver my best," Janice stated.
Janice isn't without multi-sport experience, having competed at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. There, she partnered with Aldila Sutjiadi to claim women's doubles bronze.
The Indonesian tennis team will fly to Bangkok on Monday, November 8 for final preparations. SEA Games tennis matches are scheduled for December 10–19, 2025.
