Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh produced one of the finest performances of her young career, stunning World No. 20 Melissa Alves of France 3-1 (12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-2) to storm into the quarterfinals of the Canadian Women’s Open, a PSA Silver-level tournament.
This victory marks a major milestone for the 17-year-old Delhi-based player her first-ever win against a top-20 opponent and her first quarterfinal appearance at a Silver-tier event on the PSA World Tour.
Anahat, currently ranked World No. 43, entered the match as the clear underdog against the experienced Frenchwoman, who is known for her physical style and court coverage. But from the first rally, it was evident that the Indian teenager had arrived with intent.
The opening game set the tone a tense back-and-forth exchange where Anahat showcased her trademark attacking flair. Her deft touches at the front and quick reflexes in mid-court rattled Alves, who struggled to counter the pace. Anahat saved two game balls before closing it out 12-10, drawing loud applause from the Toronto crowd. The second game followed a similar script intense, tactical, and filled with long rallies. Once again, Anahat displayed remarkable composure for her age, maintaining precision under pressure to edge past Alves 12-10.
Though the Frenchwoman fought back in the third game, using her experience to tighten the angles and slow the pace, Anahat refused to lose control. Alves took the third 11-8, but the young Indian stormed back in the fourth with arguably her best squash of the season. Dominating from the start, Anahat unleashed a string of winners, moving Alves all over the court and dictating play with a fearless rhythm. The final game ended emphatically 11-2, sealing one of the most significant wins of her professional journey so far.
Rising Fast on the PSA Tour
This victory comes just a day after Anahat had comfortably dispatched Cindy Merlo of Switzerland 3-0 (11-3, 11-3, 11-4) in the opening round, a match that lasted barely 17 minutes. The manner in which she followed that up with a composed performance against a seasoned top-20 player underlines the rapid evolution in her game. Her run at the Canadian Women’s Open also signifies how quickly she is adapting to the elite circuit. Still in her teens, Anahat has been steadily climbing the PSA ladder over the past year winning Challenger titles and making her mark at Bronze events but this is the first time she’s carried that form into a Silver tournament of this calibre.
Observers described Anahat’s display as “fearless,” “refreshing,” and “technically superb.” Even neutral fans and commentators were struck by her attacking instinct and tactical maturity. Her backhand flicks, precise drops, and confidence to step forward against a higher-ranked opponent showed a player unfazed by the occasion. The win also reinforces her growing reputation as one of India’s brightest prospects in women’s squash a sport long dominated by the legendary Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal Karthik.
Anahat now moves into the quarterfinals, where she is likely to face Tinne Gilis of Belgium, the World No. 7 and top seed in the tournament. It will be another steep challenge, but given her current form and mindset, Anahat has nothing to lose and everything to gain. For Indian squash, this result is another sign of transition the baton being passed to a new generation of fearless players unafraid of global competition. Anahat’s performance in Toronto is not just a personal milestone; it’s a reminder that Indian squash continues to produce world-class talent capable of breaking barriers on the PSA Tour.
The Canadian Women’s Open 2025 may well become the tournament that defines Anahat Singh’s rise. For a 17-year-old balancing schoolwork and international travel, her discipline and determination have already begun inspiring younger athletes back home.
From the Commonwealth Games to junior world championships, she’s been one of India’s most consistent young performers. But this victory against a top-20 player, on foreign soil, in a major PSA event carries a different weight altogether. As she gears up for her quarterfinal clash, Anahat Singh has already achieved what many predicted would take a few more years a breakthrough on the big stage. And if her performance against Melissa Alves is any indication, this could just be the beginning of something very special for Indian squash.
Result: Round of 16 – Canadian Women’s Open (PSA Silver)
🇮🇳 Anahat Singh (WR 43) def. 🇫🇷 Melissa Alves (WR 20) 3-1 (12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-2)
Upcoming Match: QF – Anahat Singh (IND) vs Tinne Gilis (BEL) (expected opponent)
India will be watching closely because with every match, Anahat Singh is not just rising through the ranks; she’s rewriting what’s possible for the next generation of Indian squash.
