Indian badminton star PV Sindhu has continued her impressive run of form by securing a place in the final of the French Open 2026. In the women's singles semifinal clash held on October 24, she overcame Japan's Hina Akechi in a hard-fought three-game battle, winning 2-1 to book her second appearance in a Super 750 tournament final of 2026. Sindhu will now lock horns with South Korea's world number one player An Se Young in the title showdown. Given that Sindhu's historical record against her has not been very favorable, the upcoming final scheduled for October 25 promises to be a stern and challenging test.
Strong Start in the First Game Followed by a Second-Game Setback
PV Sindhu began the semifinal encounter against Japanese competitor Hina Akechi in commanding fashion. Dominating the opening game right from the outset, she sealed it comfortably with a scoreline of 21-10 to establish a 1-0 lead in the match. However, the momentum shifted in the second game as Hina Akechi mounted a strong comeback, posing a stiff challenge. Sindhu ultimately dropped this closely contested set 20-22, leveling the match score at 1-1 and shifting all attention to the third and decisive rubber game.
Bouncing Back in the Decider to Seal Victory
Undeterred by losing the second game, PV Sindhu started the final set aggressively and maintained a consistent lead throughout the closing stretch. She managed to close out the third game 21-10, wait no, 21-16, securing the match and confirming her progression to the summit clash. The gripping semifinal battle between Sindhu and Akechi lasted for one hour and 13 minutes, showcasing exceptional stamina and skill from both athletes. Reflecting on her victory in a post-match statement, Sindhu expressed her delight while also opening up about the trials of the past year and a half, noting that it had been a difficult period filled with ups and downs. She emphasized the importance of recognizing that she needed to step back and rebuild from the ground up, working alongside a support team to evaluate their exact physical and mental standing.
