‘I had tears in my eyes’: PV Sindhu opens up after ending 19-month title drought with historic Japan Open win

An emotional PV Sindhu said years of perseverance, unwavering self-belief and the support of her family and coaching team finally paid off after she ended her title drought by lifting the Japan Open 2026 crown on Sunday.

The two-time Olympic medallist defeated home favourite Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women’s singles final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium to become the first Indian to win the Japan Open. The victory also ended her 19-month wait for a BWF World Tour title and marked her maiden Super 750 crown since 2019.

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‘People asked if it was over for me’: PV Sindhu

Overcome with emotion after the winning point, Sindhu admitted the title meant far more than another trophy, especially after months of questions surrounding her form.

“I had tears in my eyes because it was very important for me to win. I was working really hard on myself and kept believing that I can do it. Even though a lot of people were like, ‘What’s happening? Is it done?’, I believed in myself,” Sindhu said after the final.

She thanked those who stood by her during the difficult phase of her career.

“I would like to thank my family, coaches and the support staff, both sets of families, my parents and my in-laws. Of course, my husband is always there, even at my lowest. People around me have guided me really well and I’m really thankful.”

Sindhu admitted the victory brought immense relief after nearly two years without lifting a BWF World Tour title.

“Very, very happy, just out of words. It was 19 months since the time I had won and this one was very important for me. Coming to the final is one thing, but to win and stand on the podium with that gold is a different thing altogether. This gives me a lot of confidence.”

How she stayed calm against Akane Yamaguchi

Facing four-time Japan Open champion Akane Yamaguchi in front of the home crowd, Sindhu said composure proved to be the difference.

“Even though I was leading in the second game, I was making mistakes and some smashes were going out. It was important for me to stay calm and focus on each point.”

She added that playing against the world’s best leaves no room for complacency.

“With the top players you can’t take it easy even when you’re leading. It was important to maintain the same aggressiveness. In the end, I couldn’t control my emotions.”

Sindhu also credited her coach for helping her reset mentally whenever unforced errors crept into her game.

“My coach kept telling me, ‘It’s okay, focus on the next point.’ That made the difference.”

The former world champion revealed that one of the biggest changes to her game has been reducing unforced errors while continuing to play aggressively.

“My strength is attack. Since I’m moving well and attacking well, I need to make sure I cut down on unforced errors. That changes the game.”

Special win during Jagannath Rath Yatra

The victory also carried spiritual significance for Sindhu, as it came during the sacred Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Responding to congratulatory wishes from former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Sindhu described the timing as “truly poetic.”

“It feels truly poetic that this victory has come during Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s sacred Rath Yatra. I hope to return to Puri soon, experience the divine celebrations and seek Mahaprabhu’s blessings at the Jagannath Temple.”

She also thanked Patnaik, saying his wishes meant a great deal to her, while recalling the deep connection her family shares with Odisha.

BWF World Championships next in sight

With the BWF World Championships in New Delhi less than a month away, Sindhu believes the Japan Open title has given her the perfect confidence boost.

“It gives me a lot of confidence. I need to maintain the same tempo and calmness. That’s the aim.”

After ending her long wait for a major title and scripting history in Tokyo, Sindhu will now turn her attention to carrying this momentum into the biggest tournament of the season.