Janice Tjen Almost Gave Up Before Becoming a Professional Player

Janice Tjen went through a winding journey to become a professional tennis player (Instagram/@janicetjen).

JAKARTA - Janice Tjen admitted that she almost gave up before becoming a professional player because she realized how high the mobility that a tennis player must undergo to participate in various tournaments around the world.

The 23-year-old said having to move every week with long and far flights away from family for a long time was actually something very difficult for him.

"However, I have a lot of good people around me. They keep convincing me to try it so I decided to trust them and continue (my career as a tennis player)," Janice said as quoted by Times of India.

As a professional tennis player, Janice is required to travel far almost every week for a full year. At the beginning of this year, for example, he has played more than 10 matches spread across many countries.

Janice's journey this season started at the ASB Classic which took place in Auckland, New Zealand. He then moved to Australia to take part in the Hobart International and Australian Open Grand Slam which took place at Melbourne Park.

Janice then continued her fight to the Middle East to play in Abu Dhabi, Qatar Open, and Dubai Championship. Flights continued to the United States to participate in events such as Indian Wells and Miami.

The Jakarta-born tennis player said that he was lucky to have a team and coach who were very supportive so that he could play so many matches that demanded very high physical and mental endurance.

"I have a really good team. My coach Chris Bint is a very positive person and he always brings optimism to me so that helps me a lot."

"He is also very knowledgeable and knows how to take care of my physical health and ensure I stay fit and avoid injuries," he said.

Janice played more than 90 matches in last year's calendar, including successfully recording a Grand Slam debut at the US Open. He then closed the year with the Chennai Open title, which was his first title on the WTA Tour.

The result made Janice the first Indonesian tennis player to win the WTA Tour since Angelique Widjaja won her second and last title in Pattaya in 2002 or 23 years later.