PV Sindhu Pushes An Se Young to the Limit Before Settling for French Open 2026 Runner-Up Finish

New Delhi, Oct 25: PV Sindhu came agonisingly close to winning against World No. 1 An Se Young in the French Open 2026 Final. The Indian shuttler pushed the Korean, claiming the first game before ASY rallied to secure a 16-21, 21-11, 21-12 victory on Sunday. Despite missing out on the title, the Indian shuttler delivered a spirited challenge against an opponent who has dominated their previous encounters.

The win extended An's unbeaten head-to-head record against Sindhu to 11-0. While the Indian had managed to win only one game in their first 10 meetings, she made a stronger statement in Paris by taking the opener and testing the top seed over three games.

Sindhu entered the final looking to claim her second title of the season after winning the Japan Open in July. She had also come through a tough semi-final against Japan's Hina Akechi, prevailing 21-10, 20-22, 21-16. An, however, arrived in formidable form, riding a 49-match winning streak and having dropped no games throughout the tournament before the final.

Sindhu Takes 2nd Game in 11th Meet Against ASY

Sindhu's approach in the opening game centred on taking control early rather than allowing An Se Young to dictate the pace through extended rallies. By playing precise shots near the net and varying her angles, the Indian forced the South Korean to adjust her positioning. Whenever An left an opening, Sindhu capitalised with attacking strokes, including sharp cross-court winners that kept the pressure on the top seed.

The strategy paid off as Sindhu claimed the first game 21-16, securing her first game against An since 2023 and putting the world No. 1 under pressure.

An responded by making tactical adjustments in the second game. She began anticipating Sindhu's net shots more effectively and used the shorter returns to create attacking opportunities. A demanding 30-shot rally highlighted the intensity, with both players fighting to keep the exchange alive before Sindhu failed to reach the next return.

Although An levelled the match with a 21-11 win, Sindhu refused to make it easy. She saved three game points with determined play before a misjudged shot brought the game to an end. An had regained control, increasingly using Sindhu's net-focused strategy to her own advantage.

An Se- The Juggernaut Unleashes In 2nd Game

Sindhu carried her momentum into the deciding game, building a 8-5 advantage through confident movement and aggressive shot-making. However, An Se Young gradually turned the contest around, extending rallies and forcing the Indian to cover more of the court. As the exchanges grew longer, Sindhu found it harder to sustain her early intensity, allowing the South Korean to gain the upper hand.

An began dictating play with a combination of precise net shots and forceful smashes, repeatedly stretching Sindhu and limiting her opportunities to attack. The world No. 1 overturned the three-point deficit and pulled away to claim the decider 21-12, sealing her third successive French Open crown.

The match statistics reflected An's edge in the crucial moments. Both players contested 102 points, but the South Korean won 58 compared to Sindhu's 44. An also recorded the longest uninterrupted scoring streak, taking seven consecutive points against Sindhu's best run of four.

Although Sindhu suffered another defeat against An, the final offered signs of progress in their rivalry. The Indian managed to break through the South Korean's dominance in the opening game and forced her to rethink her approach. Ultimately, An's consistency and ability to raise her level under pressure proved decisive.