2026 proves a difficult season for Tang Jie

Chen Tang Jie has described 2026 as one of the toughest phases of his career, after changes to both his partnership and coaching arrangements forced him to adjust to a new situation.

The 28-year-old lost his regular mixed doubles partner, Toh Ee Wei, who is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained at the Singapore Open in May. Ee Wei continues her rehabilitation in Melbourne, Australia.

Her absence has led Tang Jie to try several new combinations, including one with Clarissa San. He will now partner Cheng Su Yin at the China Masters in Shenzhen, which begins tomorrow.

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There have been many things happening this year, so it would not be true to say they have not affected me. Accepting a situation like this takes some time, especially when our head coach has also changed.

Tang Jie acknowledged that the changes had affected him and said he needed time to accept them, particularly after Nova Widianto departed the national coaching setup. “There have been many things happening this year, so it would not be true to say they have not affected me,” he said. “As a professional player, it depends on myself, and I need to find a way to become better.”

He said the coaching change would not become an excuse for continued uncertainty. Instead, he intends to cooperate with the new coach, who is expected to be announced soon, and use the available time to process the changes while concentrating on areas he can improve as a player.

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As a professional player, it depends on myself, and I need to find a way to become better.