PV Sindhu Celebrates Major Victory at Japan Open, Eyes World Championships Glory

Sindhu's Emotional Triumph at Japan Open

An emotional PV Sindhu expressed her joy after securing her most significant title in six years at the Japan Open. She emphasized her determination to maintain the same focus and composure as she prepares for the upcoming World Championships, where she aims to achieve a historic sixth medal.

In a remarkable performance, Sindhu showcased her attacking prowess, defeating local favorite and three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi with a score of 21-17, 21-17 on Sunday.

After ending a nearly two-year title drought, Sindhu shared, "I had tears in my eyes because winning was crucial for me. I have been working diligently on my game."

Her last title was at the Syed Modi International in December 2024, and this victory in Tokyo marks her most significant achievement since her World Championships win in 2019. She also claimed the Singapore Open Super 500 title in 2022.

Sindhu reflected on her journey, stating, "It’s been 19 months since my last win... I kept faith in my abilities despite doubts from others. I owe my gratitude to my family, coaches, and support team."

This victory has reignited hopes for her to secure an unprecedented sixth medal at the World Championships, set to take place from August 17 to 23 in India. Sindhu already holds five medals, including a historic gold in 2019, and another podium finish would make her the first female singles player to achieve this feat.

Sindhu noted that the timing of her Japan Open victory is ideal as she prepares for the World Championships. She stated, "I need to maintain the same tempo and composure, staying confident as I move forward."

When asked about her successful week, she credited her calm demeanor and reduced unforced errors as key factors. "Regardless of the round, staying calm was essential," she explained.

Sindhu acknowledged that sometimes, when leading, players tend to rush and make errors, which she experienced in the second game. However, her coach reminded her to focus on the next point, which helped her regain her focus.

The 31-year-old emphasized the importance of returning to her natural attacking style while moving freely on the court. "My strength lies in my attack, and minimizing unforced errors is crucial for my game," she added.

Reflecting on the final match, Sindhu recognized the need to stay positive and focused, even when leading. "Every point mattered, and I maintained my aggressiveness throughout the match," she said.

Sindhu expressed her gratitude to her coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, strength and conditioning coach Wayne Lombard, her family, and her husband Venkata Datta Sai for their unwavering support. "I am thankful for everyone who has guided me; this victory will boost my confidence immensely," she concluded.