SerpApi.Org
Fresh from ending her two-year title drought, PV Sindhu produced a commanding performance against 18-year-old compatriot Unnati Hooda in the opening round of the China Open in Changzhou on Wednesday, July 22. Sindhu let out a huge roar after sealing the final point in a gripping three-game encounter, beating her younger compatriot 21-14, 9-21, 21-10 in 56 minutes.
It was a statement win from Sindhu, who avenged her defeat to Unnati from last year. The 18-year-old, ranked World No. 24, had beaten Sindhu in three games in the pre-quarter-finals at the same tournament in 2025.
In a cryptic post on X, formerly Twitter, after the victory, the senior campaigner appeared to send a pointed message."The future knocked. The present answered. Some seats aren't offered. They're earned," she wrote, taking many fans by surprise.
Despite their familiarity, Sindhu and Unnati went toe-to-toe on Wednesday. While the two-time Olympic medallist remained decisive and largely error-free, carrying the momentum from her Japan Open triumph, Unnati gave an excellent account of herself and refused to let Sindhu run away with the contest. However, after taking a four-point lead into the mid-game interval, Sindhu stepped up another gear to close out the opening game.
In the second game, Sindhu struggled to cope with the drift from the near side of the court, frequently hitting the shuttle long and wide. Unnati capitalised, racing to an 11-3 lead at the interval before extending her advantage comfortably. It was evident that Sindhu was taking risks as she tried to get to grips with the conditions.
The decider began with plenty of intensity. Unnati let out a loud roar after winning the opening point, only for Sindhu to respond with one of her own after levelling the scores. From there, Sindhu took complete control, playing with greater intent and making full use of her attacking game. She built an 11-6 advantage before the change of ends, after which she had to play from the near side of the court.
This time, however, Sindhu was clinical despite the drift. Operating confidently from the back of the court, the two-time Olympic medallist mixed powerful smashes with delicate drop shots that proved too good for Unnati.
As she converted the first of several match points, Sindhu let out a huge roar in celebration, capping off an authoritative performance.
Sindhu will next face World No. 4 Chen Yufei in the second round. The Indian will take confidence into the contest, having produced a dominant victory over the Chinese star on her way to the Japan Open title last week.
Earlier in the day, India's Ayush Shetty pulled off a notable win over World No. 11 Alwi Farhan. The World No. 23 defeated his familiar foe 21-17, 9-21, 21-17 in a contest that lasted nearly an hour.
