In an exciting culmination to the WTA 250 SP Open in São Paulo, British tennis player Fran Jones had her remarkable journey thwarted in the semi-finals by Indonesia’s Janice Tjen. The match concluded with Tjen taking the victory in straight sets, 7-6(0), 6-3, on a sunny Saturday afternoon in the picturesque Villa-Lobos Park. With this victory, Tjen advanced to the final where she will face off against Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah, who also secured her place after defeating Renata Zarazua in the other semi-final.
Jones, competing in her first WTA semi-final, generated considerable buzz after a breakout tournament that included a significant win over the No. 2 seed, Solana Sierra. Her semi-final showdown with Tjen was highly anticipated, especially given Jones’ resilient performance leading up to the match. Despite feeling under the weather in her previous encounter against Whitney Osuigwe, she expressed improved health and confidence going into the clash with Tjen.
In the match, Tjen showcased her exceptional form by maintaining a powerful service game, hitting eight aces and converting 89% of her first-serve points. The Indonesian player emphasized the importance of being aggressive and capitalizing on critical points, which she had done effectively against Jones. “I think it was a good match,” Tjen reflected after her victory, acknowledging the competitive nature of the early stages before she established control.
This win marks Tjen’s impressive trajectory as she enters the final without dropping a single set throughout the tournament, an achievement that signifies her readiness for this championship opportunity. With a current record of 63-12 across all competitions in 2025, Tjen is generating considerable momentum, especially following her debut at the US Open last month.
Meanwhile, Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah also made headlines with her performance, defeating Zarazua 6-3, 6-2, in her semi-final matchup. The 19-year-old French player displayed confidence and determination throughout the match, having nearly exited the tournament in the first round. However, her ability to come back from the brink of defeat has imbued her with the self-assurance needed to excel in high-stakes situations.
“This is a completely new experience for me, and I’m just trying to enjoy it,” Rakotomanga shared post-match. She noted the significance of this moment for herself and her nation, emphasizing the inspiration it can provide to aspiring young athletes.
Rakotomanga Rajaonah, alongside Tjen, is set to make WTA history as the tournament concludes, with both players hunting for their inaugural WTA title. As they prepare for their final encounter on Sunday, the anticipation builds for a match that promises talent and intensity.
In the doubles competition, Brazilian duo Luisa Stefani and Timea Babos from Hungary emerged victorious in the inaugural SP Open doubles title, clinching the trophy against compatriots Ingrid Martins and Laura Pigossi. Their final concluded with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-3 [10-4], showcasing the depth and talent of Brazilian women’s tennis.
Both Stefani and Babos highlighted the significance of their victory, noting the emotional journey this tournament has been for Brazilian tennis. They expressed gratitude for the support from the local fans and emphasized their commitment to contributing to the sport’s growth in Brazil.
As the tournament wraps up, both singles finalists and the newly crowned doubles champions leave a lasting impression on the São Paulo tennis landscape, solidifying the event’s status as a memorable milestone for professional women’s tennis.
