In what can only be described as a breakthrough week for Indian squash, 17-year-old Anahat Singh has produced back-to-back upsets at the Canadian Women’s Open 2025, storming into the semifinals after dismantling defending champion and World No.7 Tinne Gilis of Belgium in straight games 12-10, 11-9, 11-9 in just 36 minutes.
The unseeded teenager from India, competing in Toronto, has been in irresistible form all week. Having already secured her first-ever win over a top-20 player defeating World No.20 Melissa Alves of France in the Round of 16 Singh went one better in the quarterfinals, knocking out the tournament’s second seed and title favourite.
Singh’s performance against Gilis was a display of tactical maturity, control, and fearless shot-making that belied her age. From the first rally, she looked settled and composed, matching Gilis in pace and variety. The opening game went into a tiebreak, where Anahat’s razor-sharp accuracy at the front of the court and quick reflexes under pressure helped her clinch it 12-10.
The second game was a test of temperament. Gilis, one of the most consistent players on the PSA World Tour, appeared to reassert control as she raced to an 8-2 lead. But Singh didn’t panic. Instead, she produced a stunning series of winners, varying her pace beautifully and forcing errors from the Belgian’s racket. In a remarkable turnaround, the young Indian claimed nine of the next ten points to take the game 11-9 doubling her lead and leaving the defending champion stunned.
The third followed a similar script: tight rallies, high intensity, and Singh showing remarkable patience before pouncing on half-chances. Her confidence was evident as she continued to take the ball early and dictate the tempo, eventually sealing the match 11-9 to complete one of the biggest upsets of her career.
From frustration to redemption
What made this victory even more impressive was the context behind it. Singh admitted after the match that she had struggled badly in her previous event, feeling completely out of rhythm.
“I played terribly last week. It felt like I didn’t know how to play squash,” she said. “But in between both events, I trained as much as possible because I knew the way I played last week really wasn’t what my game was. I wanted to do well in this tournament, and I trained as much as possible in the four days I had between the events and it seemed like it paid off.” To PSA Squash Tour
Her words reflect the resilience and hunger that have become hallmarks of her young career. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, Singh channelled her frustration into hard work, and the results have been immediate.
Anahat Singh’s run in Toronto has already been historic. Her victory over Melissa Alves earlier in the week 3-1 (12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-2) marked her first win over a top-20 opponent, and a clear signal of her growing presence on the world stage. With her latest triumph over a top-10 player and reigning champion, she has now reached the semifinals of a Silver-level PSA World Tour event a rare feat for an Indian player, and virtually unprecedented for someone of her age.
17-year-old Anahat Singh (WR 43) win over World No. 7 and second seed Tinne Gilis 🇧🇪, marks the third-best win by an Indian female squash player based on opponent rankings after Joshna Chinappa’s victory over World No. 1 Raneem El Welily at the 2015 Qatar Classic and Dipika Pallikal’s win over World No. 5 Alison Waters at the 2015 US Open and the first Top-10 win by an Indian woman in nearly eight years since Joshna’s triumph over Annie Au.
Still only 17, Anahat Singh has already been touted as one of the brightest prospects in Indian squash. Her rise has been rapid from dominating junior circuits to now holding her own against the sport’s elite. What stands out most is her poise under pressure, ability to adapt mid-match, and an attacking flair that makes her a crowd favourite.
Her week in Toronto might still have more to offer, but even at this stage, Singh’s performances have sparked excitement across Indian squash circles. With each passing tournament, she’s proving that she’s not just the future she’s already a force in the present.
As she gears up for her semifinal clash, Singh will carry with her not only momentum but also the belief that she belongs among the world’s best. Regardless of what happens next, her fearless run at the Canadian Women’s Open 2025 will be remembered as the tournament where Anahat Singh truly arrived on the global stage.
Result: Anahat Singh (IND) bt [2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) 3-0: 12-10, 11-9, 11-9 (36m)
Earlier: Anahat Singh (IND) bt [6] Melissa Alves (FRA) 3-1: 12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-2
