Two‑time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu rediscovered her vintage best to capture her maiden Japan Open title, defeating home favourite and world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi 21‑17, 21‑17 in the women’s singles final of the BWF Super 750 tournament.
The victory ended Sindhu’s two‑year title drought and made her the first Indian shuttler to win the prestigious Japan Open. It was her biggest triumph since lifting the World Championships crown in 2019.
Facing a three‑time world champion in front of a partisan Tokyo crowd, Sindhu produced a commanding display—mixing aggressive smashes with deft net play and tactical discipline. She seized control in both games with marathon rallies, precise shot‑making, and nerves of steel in the closing stages.
Sindhu’s win carried added significance as she had not beaten Yamaguchi in a completed match for four years. Against an opponent contesting her sixth Japan Open final, the Indian star showcased the attacking flair and composure that once made her one of the world’s most feared shuttlers.
With this triumph, Sindhu not only ended her title drought but also sent a strong statement ahead of major international events later this season.
