Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela delivered a memorable performance in their round of 16 victory over Kim Hye Jeong and Kong Hee Yong at the All England Open 2025.
The win was not just about advancing to the quarterfinals but also about proving their growth as a top-tier women’s doubles pair.
The Korean duo, known for their exceptional skills, posed a significant challenge. Kim Hye Jeong is a master at the net, capable of not only finding gaps but creating them with her decisive play. Meanwhile, Kong Hee Yong is a powerhouse from the backcourt, with precise and lethal smash placements. This combination made it essential for Treesa and Gayatri to play at their highest level to stand a chance.
The Challenge of Precision and the Struggles in Execution
One of the primary reasons why Jopul (Jolly-Pullela) struggled at times during the match was their need to be extremely accurate with every shot. Against a pair like Kim-Kong, even a minor inaccuracy could end the rally immediately. Treesa, in particular, made several errors in the early stages of the match while trying to thread the needle with her placements.
Despite this, the Indian duo did not back down. They adjusted their strategy and focused on playing with greater control and patience, which turned the tide in the final game.
A Gritty Third Game: Power, Precision, and Willpower
The deciding game was all about determination, strength, and sheer willpower. Both Treesa and Gayatri pushed their limits, showing what they were willing to do to secure the win.
• Gayatri nearly dived three times to retrieve impossible shots, showcasing her agility and commitment.
• Treesa displayed excellent anticipation at the net, denying crucial kill opportunities for the Koreans.
• The duo balanced accuracy with aggression, ensuring they dictated the pace of the rallies rather than reacting to their opponents.
This level of resilience and adaptability proved why they belong among the best in the world.
Jopul’s Evolution: Strong Rotations and Versatile Play
Since December 2024, and even from the Denmark Open, Treesa and Gayatri have shown significant improvements, particularly in rotational play. Their game no longer relies on a rigid front-back formation—they are now much more fluid, adaptable, and aggressive.
• Treesa has become more confident at the net, often experimenting with different shot variations.
• Gayatri’s smashes now carry more sting, making her an attacking threat from the backcourt.
• Their defense has seen remarkable progress, with both players retrieving smashes, drops, and tricky placements that would have been outright winners against them a year ago.
One noticeable improvement is how Treesa handles drop shots. Earlier in her career, she was often vulnerable due to her backcourt defensive stance, but she has worked hard on it and now counters drops with ease.
These developments indicate that Jopul is no longer just a promising pair—they are a genuine top-10 threat with a complete game.
The Road Ahead: A Crucial Battle Against Liu Sheng Shu & Tan Ning
The quarterfinal clash against Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning (NingShu) will be a true test of endurance and adaptability. Given the tight scheduling, Treesa and Gayatri might not have had enough time to fully recover from their previous match. However, this is precisely the kind of challenge they need to overcome to break into the top 5 in the world rankings.
Currently, they are consistently securing 6,000+ ranking points in tournaments, but if they keep this level of performance up, they can crack the top 5 very soon.
NingShu, along with Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida (NamiShida), are the two pairs that consistently test Jopul’s style of play. This is the tournament to go up against them and prove that they are now a well-rounded, world-class pair with minimal weaknesses.
All the Best for the Quarterfinals, Jopul!
As the All England Open 2025 heads into the decisive stages, all eyes will be on Treesa and Gayatri. They have already proven that they can fight, adapt, and win under pressure. Now, it’s time to take it a step further and challenge the very best.
A victory against NingShu could solidify their place among the elite and make a strong statement about their aspirations for the season. Can Jopul rise to the occasion once again?
India is cheering for them! All the best for the quarterfinals!
