Sindhu claims maiden Super-750 title in Tokyo
PV Sindhu won the women's singles title at the Japan Open in Tokyo, defeating home favourite Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the final. The two-time Olympic medallist became the first Indian to win the Japan Open and lifted her first Super-750 crown. The result ended a 595-day title drought for Sindhu, whose previous tournament victory came at the Syed Modi Super-300 on December 1, 2024.
Return to winning form after 19-month wait
Sindhu had not won a tournament in 19 months entering the Japan Open. The Tokyo title is her 20th career crown. After both games were tied at 17-17 — and again at 18-17 in the second — Sindhu closed out the match with a series of powerful attacking strokes. "I had tears in my eyes because it was very important for me to win," Sindhu said. "I was really focusing hard and working on myself. I kept believing that I could do it."
Path eased by top-seed withdrawal and semifinal retirement
World No. 1 An Se-young withdrew before a projected quarterfinal against Sindhu due to a recurring left foot injury. In the semifinals, Chen retired hurt during the second game. Sindhu's aggressive play still drew praise from opponents regardless. "Her attack was explosive and I was always defending," Chen said after her semifinal loss.
Career collection expands
Sindhu recorded her 16th win over Yamaguchi in their 30 career meetings. Her career titles now include one World Championship, six BWF World Tour titles, three Superseries titles, six Grand Prix crowns, four International Challenge/Series titles and a Commonwealth Games gold medal. The Japan Open win came two weeks after Sindhu turned 31.
Follow-up: Sindhu's updated ranking points from the Super-750 title will feed into the next BWF world rankings cycle, and the BWF World Tour continues with upcoming events where she will look to extend her return to form.
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