PV Sindhu Secures First Japan Open Title, Defeating Akane Yamaguchi
Sindhu Celebrates Historic Victory
PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, expressed her joy after winning her first Japan Open title by defeating local favorite and world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi with scores of 21-17, 21-17 in the women's singles final of the BWF Super 750 tournament on Sunday.
Sindhu described this victory as a significant confidence booster, stating, "it's not over yet." This win marks her first Super 750 title and ends a title drought that lasted over two years, making her the first Indian player to clinch the prestigious Japan Open. It is also her most notable achievement since winning the BWF World Championships in 2019.
Post-Match Reflections
In a media interaction organized by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), Sindhu remarked that the long-awaited Japan Open title has greatly boosted her confidence. She emphasized her belief in herself despite external doubts, stating that this triumph reinforces her conviction that she can achieve even greater success, asserting, "it's not over yet."
"You hear a lot of things happening, but I think more than giving a reply, I think to myself, I would just want to say that I believe in myself and, yes, it's been a long time. And for me, yes, this title was very, very important. I must say, much waited and much wanted. So I think for myself, it is definitely a confidence boost where, with this, I can go much further. And this gives me a lot of confidence and a lot of belief that, yes, I can do it and it's not over yet," Sindhu added.
Looking Ahead
Sindhu expressed her happiness at winning the title just before the 2026 BWF World Championships, which are set to take place from August 17 to August 23, 2026. She stated, "So, yeah, to just, you know, give myself that confidence. I think this win is that. And yeah, I'm very, very happy for this win right before the upcoming Worlds."
Match Highlights
In front of a supportive Tokyo crowd, Sindhu faced a three-time world champion and showcased a confident performance, combining aggressive smashes with strategic net play to control the match from the outset.
Sindhu started strong, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead, but Yamaguchi fought back to equalize. The first game was tightly contested, with both players exchanging leads until Yamaguchi gained a slight edge at the mid-game interval. However, Sindhu regained momentum after the break, highlighted by a lengthy 36-shot rally that helped her level the score. She then took command with precise net exchanges and powerful cross-court shots, ultimately securing the first game with a well-placed shot into Yamaguchi's backhand corner.
Second Game Dynamics
Carrying her momentum into the second game, Sindhu dominated the forecourt, consistently forcing Yamaguchi into defensive positions and capitalizing with her signature steep smashes. A demanding 44-shot rally showcased Sindhu's physical prowess as she surged to an 8-3 lead, extending it to 11-7 at the interval.
Despite Yamaguchi's attempts to mount a comeback, reducing the score to 14-12 and later 19-17, Sindhu maintained her composure. Two powerful smashes allowed her to regain control, leading to three championship points. The match concluded when Yamaguchi's return went long, confirmed by a successful video review.
A Milestone Victory
This victory holds special significance for Sindhu, as she had not defeated Yamaguchi in a completed match for four years. Competing against an opponent in her sixth Japan Open final, Sindhu delivered one of her best performances in recent years, demonstrating the skill and composure that have established her as one of the top shuttlers globally.