Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu reached the semifinals of the Japan Open, a BWF Super 750 event, on July 17, becoming the first Indian women’s singles player in 15 years to achieve the feat.
Sindhu advanced to the last four of the event after former Japanese world champion and familiar foe Nozomi Okuhara pulled out of their quarterfinal clash. The walkover enabled Sindhu to reach the last four of the Super 750 event for the first time in her career.
Saina Nehwal was the last Indian shuttler to reach the last four of the Japan Open in 2011. Hence, Sindhu’s qualification ended a long wait for Indian badminton at one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
Earlier, Sindhu beat Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching 21-14, 21-11 in the first round and World No. 5 Han Yue of China in the second round in straight games (21-16, 21-14) in 35 minutes.
Sindhu is currently chasing her first title since she won the Syed Modi India International in December 2024.
The 31-year-old has been performing consistently of late, but a title continues to elude her. In 2026, she reached the semifinals at the Malaysia Open Super 1000 and the Australian Open Super 300 and also played quarterfinals at three events.
Her consistent performances this year helped her re-enter the top 10 of the world rankings after nearly three years.
Sindhu now faces a tough test as she is set to take on China’s Chen Yufei. The former Olympic champion has won each of their last five meetings, leaving Sindhu with the challenge of ending that streak as she bids to reach her maiden Japan Open final.
