PV Sindhu once again reminded the badminton world why she remains one of the sport’s most formidable competitors, producing a comeback that embodied grit, belief, and elite match temperament at the Indonesia Masters Super 500.
In her opening-round clash at the iconic Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Sindhu overturned a deeply challenging situation to defeat Japan’s Manami Suizu 22–20, 21–18, booking her place in the pre-quarterfinals and setting the tone for her campaign.
The match will be remembered less for the scoreline and more for the extraordinary turnaround Sindhu engineered in the opening game. Trailing 16–20 and staring at four consecutive game points, the two-time Olympic medallist summoned her experience and mental steel to win six points in a row and snatch the game 22–20. It was a passage of play that shifted the entire momentum of the contest and showcased Sindhu’s enduring ability to thrive under pressure.
The opening exchanges hinted at a tricky evening. Suizu, ranked just outside the top 25, began with sharp intent, using early pace and tight net play to unsettle Sindhu. At one stage, the Indian shuttler found herself down 2–11, struggling to find rhythm as Suizu mixed flat exchanges with sudden changes of direction. Sindhu’s movement looked heavy in the early stages, and the Japanese player capitalised with crisp placements that forced errors.
What followed, however, was a masterclass in in-game adjustment. Sindhu began to lengthen rallies, pushing Suizu deeper into the court and gradually asserting control with her trademark steep smashes from the backcourt. The gap closed incrementally, point by point, as Sindhu recalibrated her strategy reducing risk, improving shot selection, and leaning on her physicality.
Even so, Suizu managed to reach game point first, holding four opportunities to close out the opener at 20–16. This was the moment that defined the match. Sindhu raised her intensity another notch, producing a sequence of authoritative rallies that combined patience with timely aggression. A deep smash to the backhand, a perfectly disguised drop, and a forced error from Suizu brought the scores level. With the pressure fully transferred, Sindhu seized her chance, winning the next two points to complete a remarkable escape at 22–20.
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The psychological impact of that first game was unmistakable. Having invested heavily to build her lead and then watched it slip away, Suizu showed signs of frustration at the start of the second game. Sindhu, by contrast, played with renewed clarity. Her court coverage improved, her timing sharpened, and her confidence grew with every rally. Though Suizu continued to fight, refusing to fade quietly, the balance of power had clearly shifted.
The second game unfolded as a tighter, more tactical affair. Sindhu maintained a narrow lead for most of the game, absorbing pressure and responding calmly whenever Suizu threatened a comeback. The Indian star’s ability to control the tempo proved decisive. She varied her pace intelligently, alternating between long, grinding rallies and sudden attacking bursts that kept her opponent guessing.
At 18–18, Sindhu again showed her composure in the closing stages. Two assured points, built on solid defence and decisive finishing, sealed the game 21–18 and with it, a straight-games victory that felt far more commanding than the scoreline might suggest.
Beyond the result, the match served as a statement. After an inconsistent showing at the India Open the previous week, questions lingered about Sindhu’s form and match sharpness. This performance, particularly the mental strength displayed in the first game, offered a resounding answer. It underscored her ability to problem-solve mid-match and compete fiercely even when conditions are far from ideal.
For Sindhu, the Indonesia Masters represents an important stop in a demanding stretch of the World Tour. As a Super 500 event, it carries valuable ranking points and presents an opportunity to rebuild momentum against a strong international field. The victory over Suizu not only moves her into the pre-quarterfinals but also restores belief, both internally and among observers, that she remains capable of deep runs at the highest level.
There is also historical context to consider. The Istora Senayan has long been one of the most intimidating venues in world badminton, with its intense atmosphere and passionate crowds. Winning here often requires more than technical excellence; it demands emotional control and resilience. Sindhu’s ability to navigate such an environment, especially after falling behind early, speaks volumes about her experience and competitive maturity.
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As the tournament progresses, tougher tests await. Yet, if this opening round is any indication, Sindhu arrives armed not just with skill, but with the unyielding mindset of a champion. Matches like these do more than advance a player through a draw; they reaffirm identity.
At the Indonesia Masters 2026, P.V. Sindhu has already sent a clear message she is still very much a force to be reckoned with.
