Sindhu One Win Away From French Open Glory, Sets Up Final Clash With World No. 1 An Se Young

Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu produced a composed and fighting performance to storm into the French Open final, overcoming Japan’s Hina Akechi in a gripping three-game semifinal on Saturday.

The 31-year-old Indian defeated the world No. 22 21-10, 20-22, 21-16 in a contest lasting 73 minutes, securing her second Super 750 final appearance of the year. Sindhu, who won the Japan Open Super 750 in July, will now face South Korea’s An Se Young, the reigning world No. 1, in the title clash.

Sindhu began strongly but initially faced resistance from the 21-year-old Japanese, who had already stunned China’s Wang Zhi Yi and Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani earlier in the tournament. After an even start, Sindhu carried an 11-9 advantage into the first-game interval before stepping up her attack to win 11 of the final 12 points and wrap up the game 21-10.

The second game proved considerably tougher. Akechi used deceptive strokes and resolute defence to keep Sindhu under pressure, while the Indian fought back from a four-point deficit to draw level. The contest remained closely fought, with Sindhu producing sharp cross-court smashes to stay in contention.

She saved a game point at 20-20, but Akechi created another opportunity and capitalised when Sindhu sent a shot wide, forcing a decider.

Sindhu started the third game with a 5-3 lead, only for Akechi to fight back and level the score at 15-15. The Indian then regained control in a crucial phase, with a gruelling 38-shot rally ending in a net error by the Japanese and giving Sindhu an important 18-16 advantage.

A precise net shot and a series of attacking returns took Sindhu closer to victory before she sealed the match with a cross-court smash.

The Indian now faces a formidable challenge against An Se Young, with the French Open title within reach.