PV Sindhu ended India’s 15-year wait to reach first Japan Open semi-final

PV Sindhu made history on Friday when she became the first Indian singles player in 15 years to reach the semi-finals of the Japan Open and advanced to the last four for the first time in her career after former world champion Nozomi Okuhara handed her a place in the quarter-finals.

The two-time Olympic medalist thus ended India’s long wait for the prestigious Super 750 event, with Saina Nehwal being the last Indian to make it to the semi-finals in 2011. Sindhu will now take on former Olympic champion Chen Yufei of China in the semi-finals, looking to continue her impressive run in Tokyo.

The quarter-final clash between Sindhu and home favorite Okuhara generated considerable excitement given the Japanese star’s pedigree and the crowd support expected from her. However, Okuhara’s withdrawal meant that Sindhu secured a place in the semi-finals without contesting the court.

The Indian space shuttle was in good contact all week. She opened her campaign with an impressive 21-14, 21-11 victory over Wong Ling Ching of Malaysia in the opening round before producing one of her best performances of the season against world number five Han Yue in the pre-quarterfinals. Sindhu outclassed the Chinese star 21-16, 21-14 in just 35 minutes to book her place in the last eight.

THE RECOVERY OF SINDH CONTINUES IN 2026

Sindhu’s run in Japan was another encouraging sign in a promising 2026 season for the former world champion. Earlier this year, the 31-year-old reached the semi-finals of the Malaysia Open Super 1000 and followed that up with another last-four appearance at the Australian Open Super 500, where she lost to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi.

Her consistency also helped her break back into the world top 10 for the first time in almost three years. Sindhu returned to the elite group after an impressive performance at the Indonesia Open in June, underlining her revival after a difficult spell marred by injuries and inconsistency.

However, the challenge will be even tougher in the semi-finals. Standing in Sindhu’s way is China’s Chen Yufei, against whom the Indian has struggled in recent years. Sindhu has lost each of her last five meetings against the former Olympic champion and will need to produce another outstanding performance if she is to reach her maiden Japan Open final.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

17 Jul 2026 11:50 IST