PV Sindhu Falls to An Se-young in French Open Final After Strong Start
PV Sindhu’s bid to end her losing run against South Korea’s An Se-young came up short at the French Open, where the Indian badminton star was beaten 16-21, 21-11, 21-12 in the women’s singles final on Sunday. Sindhu took the opening game with assertive play at the net, but the world No. 1 responded with two commanding games to claim the title.
The result extended An’s unbeaten head-to-head record against Sindhu to 11 matches. It was only the second time in those 11 meetings that Sindhu had managed to win a game, underlining both the Indian’s ability to challenge the reigning world champion and the consistency An has shown in their contests.
An Se-young’s Remarkable 2026 Season Continues
The French Open crown was An’s 10th individual title of the season and added another milestone to an extraordinary year. She improved her 2026 win-loss record to 66-1, with her only defeat coming against China’s Wang Zhi Yi in the All England Open final. An’s results have been built on sustained control across tournaments: she has dropped just 11 games in all competitions this year.
That record offers useful context for Sindhu’s performance. The Indian was not facing an opponent who had merely found form for one week, but a player who has repeatedly set the standard in women’s singles badminton. Even so, Sindhu showed in the first game that An could be made to work for every point when the rallies were controlled carefully and pressure was applied early.
Sindhu Takes the Opening Game with Sharper Net Play
The first game was closely contested, with the score level at 11-11. Sindhu then produced a crucial four-point run to create separation. Her improved touch at the net helped her dictate the pace, while her ability to finish exchanges gave An less time to settle into the measured, relentless game that has defined her season.
Sindhu maintained her composure as the game entered its closing stages and converted her advantage into a 21-16 win. Taking the opener was significant: it gave her an early lead in a final against an opponent who has often been able to impose herself from the start. It also showed that Sindhu’s experience and attacking instincts remain valuable weapons against the very best.
An Turns the Match Around
An responded decisively in the second game. Sindhu stayed within reach early, and the players were level at 7-7, but the South Korean gradually took control of the rallies. She covered the court efficiently, returned difficult shots and forced Sindhu to play additional strokes to win points. Once An built momentum, she pulled away to take the game 21-11 and level the match.
The decider began with renewed promise for Sindhu. She moved into an 8-5 lead, suggesting she might be able to carry her opening-game form through to the finish. An, however, again changed the rhythm. Her defence absorbed Sindhu’s attacks, and her pace and placement made it increasingly difficult for the Indian to create clear openings.
As the match wore on, An’s ability to extend rallies appeared to take a physical toll. Sindhu had already played a demanding three-game semifinal, while An’s semifinal had lasted 45 minutes. The difference in workload may have been a factor, though An’s tactical discipline and court coverage were central to her recovery. She closed out the deciding game 21-12 to secure another French Open title.
A Demanding Route to the Final for Sindhu
Sindhu’s run to the championship match included a significant test against Japan’s Hina Akechi in the semifinals. In their first meeting on the BWF Tour, the two-time Olympic medallist won 21-10, 20-22, 21-16 after 73 minutes. Akechi, 21, pushed Sindhu into a deciding game, but the Indian found a way to recover and advance.
An had a shorter semifinal against Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara, winning 21-12, 21-19 in 45 minutes. The contrast in match duration gave An a more direct path into the final, although the quality of her performance across the tournament was the bigger factor in her success. She had also reached the French Open final for a third consecutive edition, reinforcing her familiarity with the event and its demands.
What the French Open Final Means for Sindhu
For Sindhu, the defeat was a setback, but her progress to the final remains an encouraging result. It was her second Super 750 final of the year, following her title-winning appearance at the Japan Open in July. Reaching another high-level final demonstrates that she can still compete deep into major tournaments, even as she works to close the gap against the leading players on the circuit.
The match also offered practical lessons. Sindhu’s first-game success came when she used the net effectively and prevented An from controlling the tempo. In the later games, An’s defence and stamina shifted the contest toward longer exchanges. Finding ways to sustain attacking pressure without allowing rallies to become predictable could be important for Sindhu in future meetings with the world No. 1.
For badminton fans, the final was a clear illustration of how quickly momentum can turn at the highest level. Sindhu showed that she can take a game from An and create openings, but the South Korean’s ability to adjust between games proved decisive. An leaves Paris with another title and a remarkable season record, while Sindhu departs with valuable match experience and a promising run that can provide a platform for the tournaments ahead.
