PV Sindhu’s India Open campaign crashed out dramatically as world No. 53 Thi Linh Phuong Nguyen from Vietnam pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. The second-round clash went the distance, with Nguyen edging out the Indian ace 21-17, 14-21, 21-19 in a match lasting 68 minutes.
Entering the bout with high expectations, Sindhu looked sharp initially but faltered in crucial moments. Nguyen’s relentless retrievals and precise placement disrupted Sindhu’s attacking game plan. The Vietnamese player’s ability to extend rallies wore down the home favorite, especially in the opening game.
Sindhu roared back in the second, unleashing her signature jump smashes and dominating mid-court battles. The crowd’s energy fueled her comeback, tying the match and setting up a nervy decider. Yet Nguyen stayed ice-cool, saving a championship point before sealing the deal with a cross-court smash.
Post-match, Sindhu acknowledged Nguyen’s superior day: ‘She played really well today, deserved the win.’ This early exit is Sindhu’s worst performance at the India Open since 2019, prompting concerns over her readiness for major events.
Nguyen, now into the last eight, credits her recent training tweaks for the breakthrough. Her victory not only boosts Vietnam’s badminton profile but also highlights the growing depth in women’s singles. For Sindhu, it’s back to the drawing board with her team analyzing footage for quick fixes.
As the tournament progresses, eyes shift to other Indian contenders like Lakshya Sen and Priyanshu Rajawat, who carry the nation’s hopes forward.
