Janice Tjen showcased her impressive form by defeating Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the Dubai tournament. The match, lasting just one hour and 17 minutes, highlighted Tjen’s ability to dominate the hard court as she effectively neutralized her opponent’s aggressive baseline style.
Currently ranked 46th in the world, Tjen’s victory is a testament to her growing consistency against top-tier players. After facing a tough loss to world No. 2 Iga Swiatek last week, she bounced back vigorously, indicating her resilience. Tjen’s performance in 2026 has been particularly noteworthy, with standout victories, including a commanding 6-0, 6-1 win over Beatriz Haddad Maia earlier this month and a triumph against Leylah Fernandez in January.
On the other hand, Yastremska’s defeat marks a continued struggle with early exits in tournaments. Although she recently secured a hard-fought three-set win against Cristina Bucsa, she has struggled to gain momentum this season. Her recent losses in straight sets to top-10 players, including Elina Svitolina and Ekaterina Alexandrova, have exposed vulnerabilities in her game, which Tjen took full advantage of.
The match clearly illustrated Tjen’s clinical efficiency on the court, contrasting sharply with Yastremska’s recent tendency to engage in longer matches without achieving favorable results. This victory represents a significant milestone for Tjen as she aims to extend her success in the Middle East tournaments, signaling a bright outlook for her continued journey this season.