PV Sindhu came close to ending her losing run against An Se Young but could not turn a promising start into a French Open title on Sunday. The Indian shuttler took the opening game against the South Korean world No. 1 in Paris, raising hopes of a breakthrough against an opponent who had beaten her in their previous ten meetings. However, An changed the course of the contest in the next two games, winning 16-21, 21-11, 21-12 to claim the Super 750 crown. For Sindhu, the defeat was disappointing, but her opening-game performance offered signs that she could challenge the Olympic champion more closely.

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PV Sindhu Takes the First Game

Sindhu started confidently, using her reach, attacking strokes and court coverage to keep An under pressure. Neither player found it easy to pull away during the opening exchanges, with the score moving from 4-4 to 7-7 after several extended rallies and tight net exchanges. The Indian gradually gained control and went into the interval with an advantage. She then moved ahead at 15-11, taking advantage of An's mistakes near the back boundary. Sindhu continued to find openings through her smashes and deceptive shots, earning six game points before sealing the opener when An sent a return long. The game was significant for Sindhu, who had rarely managed to take a game off the South Korean in their previous encounters. It gave her a realistic chance of producing an upset.

An Se Young Turns the Match Around

An responded immediately after the change of ends, establishing a 3-0 lead in the second game. Sindhu tried to regain control through aggressive smashes, but the Korean's precise net play and ability to extend rallies made it difficult for the Indian to build a consistent attack. A long rally and two powerful smashes helped An strengthen her advantage. Sindhu's unforced errors also began to increase, allowing the world No. 1 to take nine of the next ten points and move towards the finish line. PV Sindhu saved three game points, but An converted her fourth opportunity to level the match at one game apiece. The contest was now heading into a decider, with the momentum firmly shifting towards the South Korean.

PV Sindhu's Lead Slips in the Decider

The third game remained competitive early on. Sindhu built an 8-5 lead, putting An under pressure once again. However, the Korean recovered to make it 8-8 before moving ahead and reaching the interval with the advantage. PV Sindhu struggled to regain the initiative as An sharpened her attack and began controlling the rallies. The Indian's lead disappeared, and the gap widened to 18-10. An eventually secured the title at her first match point after Sindhu sent a shot long.

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Speaking after the final, Sindhu said she needed to maintain her advantage better, particularly after leading 8-5 in the deciding game. She also acknowledged the positives from the performance and identified areas for improvement. She secured her fourth French Open title and 11th title of the season, further extending her winning run against Sindhu to 11 matches. The Indian leaves Paris without the trophy, but taking the first game against the world's leading player gives her something to build on in upcoming tournaments.

Editor - Neha

Neha is the Co-Director & Editor at sportselite.in, drawn to the stories that give Sports their energy beyond the scoreboard. She brings clarity, context, and a human perspective to coverage across Elite Sports, from standout performances to shifting team dynamics and memorable contests. At sportselite.in, Neha helps turn complex sporting developments into engaging stories, keeping readers connected to the people and moments behind the action.

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