Sindhu breaks Two-Year wait, reaches Japan open final.

Indian ace defeats Chen Yufei to enter her first-ever Japan Open final.

PV Sindhu delivered one of her most commanding performances in recent years as she stormed into the final of the Japan Open 2026, ending a two-year drought. The Indian shuttler overcame her long-time rival Chen Yufei in a gripping contest that showcased her resilience, tactical sharpness, and renewed confidence.

Sindhu, who last appeared in a final at the Syed Modi International in 2024, had never before reached the summit clash of the Japan Open. On Saturday, July 18, she broke that barrier by defeating Yufei 21-19, 15-10. The match ended prematurely when Yufei was forced to retire due to a hamstring injury, but not before Sindhu had asserted her dominance.

The opening game was a tense battle, with Yufei taking an early lead. Sindhu responded with a four-point surge, entering the mid-game interval ahead. Her aggressive cross-drop shots stretched Yufei’s defense, and despite the Chinese star narrowing the gap, Sindhu held her nerve. A thrilling 51-shot rally epitomized the intensity, with Sindhu clinching the point and eventually roaring to a 21-19 win.

In the second game, Sindhu maintained her momentum, racing to an 11-7 advantage. Yufei tried to fight back but was visibly hampered by her injury and eventually conceded the match. Sindhu’s proactive approach and ability to stay focused under pressure proved decisive.

Reflecting on her victory, Sindhu emphasized the importance of mental composure. “Every point mattered today. My coach kept reminding me to stay focused, especially when the score was tight. Winning that long rally in the first game gave me confidence, and I carried that into the second,” she said.

This triumph also ended a five-match losing streak against Yufei, marking a significant psychological breakthrough. Earlier in the tournament, Sindhu had stunned World No. 5 Han Yue, signaling her resurgence on the global stage.

Sindhu will now face either Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi or Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani in the final on Sunday, July 19. Regardless of the opponent, her fiery run in Tokyo has already reignited hopes of a strong comeback season.

For Sindhu, this milestone is more than just a final, it is a statement of intent, proving that she remains one of badminton’s fiercest competitors.