French Open 2026: P. V. Sindhu faces Riko Gunji in the round of 16
India’s P. V. Sindhu will continue her French Open 2026 campaign against Japan’s Riko Gunji on Thursday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. The experienced Indian badminton star booked her spot in the last 16 after surviving a tense three-game contest against Thailand’s Supanida Katethong in the opening round.
Sindhu won 21-14, 8-21, 23-21, recovering from a difficult second game before edging a close decider. The result offered a valuable boost after her early exit at the Denmark Open, where Germany’s Yvonne Li defeated her in the first round. Against Gunji, Sindhu will be aiming to build on her hard-fought Paris victory and find greater consistency across the match.
When is Sindhu vs Riko Gunji at the French Open 2026?
The Sindhu vs Gunji French Open 2026 round-of-16 match is scheduled for Thursday at 6:00 pm IST, which is 2:30 pm local time in Paris. The match will be played on Court 2 at Arena Grand.
Fans should note that tournament schedules can change depending on how long earlier matches last. Checking the latest order of play on the day is a good way to confirm the start time before tuning in.
Where to watch the French Open badminton match live
The Sindhu vs Gunji match will be available to watch live via the BWF TV YouTube channel. Viewers can check the channel’s live listings and the tournament schedule for the stream and any updates. Broadcast availability may vary by location.
Sindhu’s opening-round win sets up a demanding test
Sindhu’s match against Katethong was a clear test of resilience. She took the first game 21-14, but the Thai player responded strongly in the second, winning it 21-8 and forcing a decider. The final game was much closer, with Sindhu holding her nerve to claim it 23-21 and avoid an upset.
The scoreline highlights both the challenge and opportunity ahead. Sindhu showed she could recover after losing momentum, but the one-sided second game also underlined the importance of maintaining control when an opponent changes pace or begins to attack more effectively. Against Gunji, a steady start and sharper execution in key rallies could be especially important.
Close matches often turn on small details: serving accurately, choosing the right moment to attack, and staying patient when rallies extend. Sindhu’s experience on the international badminton circuit may help in those pressure moments, while Gunji will be eager to make the most of her chance against a former world champion and Olympic medallist.
What to expect from Sindhu vs Gunji
The round-of-16 meeting gives Sindhu an opportunity to move beyond the disappointment of her Denmark Open exit and build momentum at a major European tournament. A win would take her into the quarter-finals and provide another chance to test her form against the event’s leading contenders.
For Gunji, the match represents a significant challenge and an opportunity to make a statement. Japan has a strong reputation in women’s badminton, with players often bringing speed, disciplined defence and impressive court coverage. Sindhu will need to balance her attacking strengths with patience, particularly if Gunji is able to extend rallies and make her work for openings.
Key areas to watch include Sindhu’s movement at the back of the court, her ability to vary the pace, and how effectively she converts attacking chances into points. After a demanding three-game opener, managing energy and maintaining focus will also matter. If the contest becomes tight, composure in the closing stages could again prove decisive.
A crucial step in Sindhu’s French Open campaign
The French Open is an important opportunity for players to earn ranking points and measure their form against a deep international field. For Sindhu, Thursday’s match is more than a routine second-round fixture: it is a chance to turn a narrow opening win into a sustained run at the tournament.
Indian fans will be watching closely as the two players meet in Paris. Sindhu has already demonstrated her ability to fight through a difficult match, but Gunji is likely to present a different set of tactical questions. The outcome will depend on who controls the tempo, handles pressure more effectively and makes the most of the decisive points.
Match details: P. V. Sindhu vs Riko Gunji, French Open 2026 round of 16; Thursday, 6:00 pm IST (2:30 pm local time); Court 2, Arena Grand, Paris. Live stream: BWF TV YouTube channel.
