Indonesian Juniors Deliver Strong Start at ITF J60 Jakarta

JAKARTA, July 2, 2025 – Indonesia’s young tennis talents made an immediate impact in the opening round of the ITF J60 Pusaka Indonesia Jakarta, showing poise and power against a field of rising international competitors.

Among the standouts was Michal Ihsan Wicaksana, an 18-year-old from Pati, Central Java, who delivered a major upset in the men’s singles. Playing on the hard courts of The Sultan Hotel and Residence Jakarta, the unseeded Michal defeated top-seeded Canadian Jay Lin Gibson, ranked No. 259 in the world junior rankings. Michal, currently world No. 691, secured a straight-sets victory 7-6(4), 6-4, in a match that highlighted his tactical discipline and mental resilience.

“This is the strongest opponent I’ve faced so far in junior tournaments. I’m grateful for the result,” said Michal, who trains at the Kentoeng Tennis Academy in Sukoharjo.

Michal is now set to face the winner of the match between India’s Aditya Mor and Indonesia’s Rafa Jeconia Verdasco Mangunsong, who were scheduled to play on Wednesday.

The success continued for Indonesia in the men’s draw as Joshua Eldrige Jusuf overcame Japan’s Daiya Hino with a 6-2, 7-6(4) win, while M. Akmal Junaini advanced with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 performance over Australia’s Hayato Sata.

In the women’s singles, Indonesia’s top hopefuls also progressed comfortably.

• Anjali Kirana Junarto, seeded fifth, cruised past Australia’s Emilia Matruglio, 6-0, 6-0.

• Mischka Sinclaire Goenadi secured a straight-sets win against compatriot Joanne Lynn Hartono, 6-2, 6-4.

The ITF J60 Pusaka Indonesia is part of the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors, an international circuit designed for players aged 18 and under. This year’s tournament features players from 15 countries, including Japan, China, South Korea, India, Germany, Canada, and others, showcasing the depth of junior tennis talent across regions.

With several local players advancing into the next round, the opening day reflects a promising campaign ahead for Indonesia’s junior tennis program, as it seeks to build momentum on home soil.