PV Sindhu eyes quick bounce‑back ahead of China Open showdown

It was a moment of sheer relief on Sunday, July 19, when PV Sindhu finally broke her two‑year title‑less spell by beating Japan’s home favourite Akane Yamaguchi 21‑17, 21‑17 at the Japan Open. The win felt like a breath of fresh air after a long, uneven stretch that saw her juggling a string of niggles and the occasional injury‑induced lay‑off.

But the celebration was tempered by a pragmatic voice in the locker‑room – Sindhu herself. With the China Open slated to begin in just three days, she’s chosen to make recovery her number one priority. “I’ve got a match on Wednesday, so the next two days are all about getting my body back on track and handling the travel from Japan to China,” she told News18 during a BAI‑organised chat.

That travel isn’t just a quick hop; it’s a full‑on, cross‑border journey that adds its own strain. “You need to make sure you’re fully fit, especially when you know you might have to play long rallies for an extended period,” Sindhu added, hinting at the stamina required to go toe‑to‑toe with the world’s best.

She’ll open the China Open against fellow Indian Unnati Hooda on Wednesday. If she can slip past Hooda – a realistic prospect, given her form – the draw pits her against the tournament’s top seed, South Korea’s An Se‑Young, in the second round. The prospect of a high‑octane duel with the 2023 world champion is already sparking talk among fans and pundits alike.

Speaking candidly about her recent physical hurdles, Sindhu said, “It’s been a tough journey – a few niggles, then a real injury, then back to the grind. As an athlete, you learn that setbacks are part of the package. The key is coming back stronger.” Those words echo the resilience she’s shown over the past couple of years, battling through everything from hamstring strains to shoulder discomfort.

In the meantime, the Indian shuttler is leaning on physiotherapy, light conditioning and plenty of sleep. “Recovery is extremely important, especially with back‑to‑back matches ahead. I’m focusing on strength work and making sure my body is ready for the next challenge,” she explained.

All eyes will be on Beijing next week, not just for the badminton spectacle but for the narrative of a champion who’s finally getting her stride back. Whether she’ll face An Se‑Young remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Sindhu’s focus on healing could be the difference between a respectable run and a deep, title‑contending push.