‘I’ve learned my lesson in the first round’ - Sindhu turns a Paris wobble into a semifinal rally

PV Sindhu, ranked World No. 10, has advanced to the semifinals at the French Open Super 750 in Paris. | Photo Credit: THE HINDU

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu reached the women’s singles semifinals of the French Open Super 750 on Friday by defeating Chiu Pin-Chian 21-13, 21-14 and credited the first-round scare for sharpening her focus.

Sindhu had struggled in her opening match on Wednesday, giving up a big lead in the decider before beating Thailand’s Supanida Katethong in 64 minutes. She then beat Japan’s Riko Gunji 21-12, 21-16 in the pre-quarterfinal on Thursday.

“I’ve learned my lesson in the first round,” Sindhu said. “I was leading and then I let her come into the match, and it was very crucial in the end. After that, yesterday and today, I was aware that even when I was leading, I couldn’t take it easy or think the game is over. I kept fighting until the match was over, because you never know.”

She said she stayed patient even when points went against her. “I kept telling myself it’s okay, focus on the next point. So I just kept fighting the next point.”

ALSO READ: P.V. Sindhu beats Chiu Pin-Chian to storm into French Open semifinals

Sindhu also stressed the role of her coach, who appeared frustrated at times from the sidelines. “He’s there to calm me down and tell me it’s okay, relax, there’s always the next point, or what mistakes I’m making,” she said. “The communication between a coach and a player is very, very important.”

Sindhu lost early at last week’s Denmark Open and has never won the French Open. She reached the semifinals once, years ago, at a different venue.

“It would be wonderful if I win here, and I’m really hoping for it,” she said. “Of cour

se, it’s not over yet. I need to go back, recover well for tomorrow and come back stronger.”

Japan’s Hina Akechi who beat Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani in the other quarterfinal will be Sindhu’s semifinal opponent.

Before that match ended, Sindhu said it would not matter who she faced. “Irrespective of whoever it is, I need to be focused and give 100 per cent,” she said.

On preparing for big matches, Sindhu said players must be strong mentally and physically, ready for long rallies and a plan built on knowing each other’s game. “Every match is important, from the first point and from the first round,” she said.

Published on Oct 23, 2026

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