PV Sindhu wildly celebrates victory vs Unnati Hooda, shares cryptic post on social media
Fresh from ending a two-year title drought, PV Sindhu produced a commanding performance against 18-year-old compatriot Unnati Hooda in the opening round of the China Open in Changzhou on Wednesday, July 22. Sindhu unleashed a huge roar after sealing the final point in a thrilling three-match encounter, defeating her younger compatriot, 21-10-51, 26-16. minutes.
It was a win for Sindhu to avenge their defeat to Unnati last year. The 18-year-old, ranked world No. 24, defeated Sindhu in three games in the pre-quarterfinals at the same 2025 tournament.
In a cryptic post on X, formerly Twitter, after the win, the lead activist appeared to send a stark message. “The future knocked. The present answered. Some places aren’t offered. They’re earned,” she wrote, surprising many fans.
Despite their familiarity, Sindhu and Unnati were at each other’s throats on Wednesday. While the two-time Olympic medalist remained resolute and largely error-free, taking the momentum from her Japan Open triumph, Unnati gave an excellent account of herself and refused to let Sindhu get away. However, after taking a four-point lead into the mid-game interval, Sindhu stepped up another gear to seal the opening match.
In the second game, Sindhu struggled to match the drift from the nearer side of the court, often hitting the shuttlecock wide and wide. Unnati took advantage and led 11-3 at the break before comfortably extending their advantage. It was obvious that Sindhu was taking a risk as she struggled to cope with the conditions.
The decision-making began with great intensity. Unnati roared loudly after winning the opening point but Sindhu responded with one of her own after leveling the scores. From there, Sindhu took complete control, playing with more intent and making full use of her attacking game. Before the change of endings, she built up an 11-6 advantage, after which she had to play from the closer side of the court.
Fantastic rally!
Great from PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda, ~40 run rally and Sindhu does really well in defense to force an error from Unnati. But Unnati doesn’t think it’s wide. Unfortunately, despite being a Super 1000, no reviews for Court 3. pic.twitter.com/uEPCowrj5z— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) July 22, 2026
This time, however, Sindhu was clinical despite the shift. The two-time Olympic medalist operated with confidence from the back of the court, mixing powerful smashes with delicate drop shots that proved too good for Unnati.
Sindhu let out a huge roar in celebration as she converted the first of several match points, capping off an authoritative performance.
PV Sindhu defeated Unnati Hooda
Big reaction from Sindhu at the end, maybe because of what happened last year when she lost to Unnati in this event. A pumped-up Sindhu claims it in 3 games this time. A smart tactic to turn it around in decision-making. pic.twitter.com/TsWXtVEgtf— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) July 22, 2026
Sindhu will face world number four Chen Yufei in the second round. The Indian will take confidence into the match after a dominant win over the Chinese star en route to the Japan Open title last week.
Earlier in the day, India’s Ayush Shetty scored a remarkable victory over World XI Alwi Farhan. The world No.23 defeated her familiar foe 21-17, 9-21, 21-17 in a match that lasted nearly an hour.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
22 Jul 2026 16:04 IST