PV Sindhu created history and won the Japan Open for the first time, stunning reigning three-time World Champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the final.
This is her first Super 750 Series title win and ended a 21-month title drought. The ace Indian shuttler last won a World Tour title at the Syed Modi International in 2024. More so, she surpassed Tai Tzu Ying, who won the India Open 24 at the age of 29 years and six months to become the oldest WS Super 750 champion at 31 years. The stunning win in the final brought an end to a stunning run for Sindhu that also saw her beat World No. 4 Chen Yufei of China. Sindhu was on the way to a straight set win when Chen retired due to a hamstring injury in the semifinal. The Indian stalwart was also helped by a walkover in the quarterfinal after her opponent pulled out. Meanwhile, this wasn't an easy game for Sindhu, who had struggled against Yamaguchi in recent times, losing five out of the last six games; however, she was at her absolute best in the final and registered a comprehensive win.
As It Happened
Sindhu started off in blazing form and took a 3-0 lead in early moments, but Akane Yamaguchi pulled things back nicely and matched Sindhu toe to toe. At 17-17, the set could have gone either way, but Sindhu held her nerves to take a lead in the game. Sindhu started the second set in a similar fashion and raced to a 14-7 lead before Akane fought back and made the set interesting at 18-17; however, Sindhu showed nerves of steel and won the set to win the game and a historic title.Heartiest congratulations to our star badminton player, @Pvsindhu1 on winning the Japan Open, defeating Yamaguchi in an exciting finalé.
Sindhu's performance throughout the tournament has been phenomenal with every serve, shot and smash played with finesse!
Congratulations… pic.twitter.com/9wRYNbdwG5— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 19, 2026
