sports · 2026-10-25
Sindhu cruises into French Open final
Photo: via The Economic Times
PV Sindhu beat Japan's Hina Akechi in three games to reach the French Open final on Saturday. She'll face world No. 1 An Se Young on Sunday. Can she keep her cool under pressure?
What happened in the decider against Hina Akechi?
The decider was tight. Akechi drew level at 15-15, but a draining 38-shot rally ended with a net error from her, handing Sindhu an 18-16 lead. Sindhu then earned four match points, sealed the third game 21-16 with a cross-court smash, and won the semifinal 21-10, 20-22, 21-16 in 73 minutes.
Did Sindhu lose at the World Championships?
Yes. At the World Championships in New Delhi in August, Sindhu lost to China's Wang Zhi Yi in the quarterfinals in three games, 11-21, 21-15, 17-21. That defeat ended her bid for a record sixth World Championships medal. She had won five before, including gold in 2019.
Why has a 31-year-old come back from a rough patch?
Sindhu rebuilt her game with a new support team and a smarter training approach, which she says helped her overcome injuries and inconsistent results. After nearly two years without a title, she won the Japan Open in July by beating Akane Yamaguchi in straight games. The French Open final is her second Super 750 final this year.
Who does Sindhu play in the final?
Sindhu will face South Korea's An Se Young, the world No. 1 and reigning Olympic and world champion, in Sunday's final. An Se Young has won 47 career titles, including nine this year. Sindhu acknowledged the challenge, saying she needs to give her a tough fight and that every point matters.
Is this French Open run a comeback?
It looks that way. Sindhu called the previous year and a half a rough run of injuries and inconsistent results. Then she won the Japan Open in July, her first Super 750 title, and now reached the French Open final. She credits a new support team and smarter training.
Has Sindhu beaten An Se-young before?
Sindhu said they've played many times and that An Se-young has been doing really well, but the record of their head-to-head isn't in the sources. She knows the challenge, saying, "I have to give her a good fight, a tough fight. Every point matters."
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com