PV Sindhu reaches Australian Open 2026 semifinals, to face Akane Yamaguchi

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu stormed into the semifinals of the Australian Open 2026 with a commanding straight-game victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chen Su Yu at the Quaycentre in Sydney on Friday.

The world No. 10 needed just 27 minutes to dispatch Chen 21-6, 21-9, dominating the contest from the outset to secure her place in the last four. The victory marks Sindhu’s second semifinal appearance of the season, following her run to the final four at the Malaysia Open 2026.

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A blockbuster semifinal now awaits the Indian star as she faces top seed and three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan. The encounter will be the 29th meeting between the two rivals, with Sindhu holding a 15-13 edge in the head-to-head record. However, Yamaguchi has won four of their last five meetings.

The Japanese shuttler sealed her semifinal berth with a 21-14, 21-14 win over India’s Tanvi Sharma in 32 minutes.

Earlier in the tournament, Sindhu overcame compatriot Isharani Baruah 22-20, 21-12 in a 42-minute contest. After being pushed to the limit in a tightly fought opening game, which she clinched in a tie-break, the former world champion took complete control of the second game to advance to the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Tanvi Sharma continued her impressive run by defeating fellow Indian Malvika Bansod 21-13, 21-15 to reach the quarterfinals. The teenager produced a composed display to register her second quarterfinal appearance of the season, further highlighting her emergence on the international circuit.

In men’s doubles, the Indian pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun were forced to retire during the second game of their quarterfinal against opponents from Chinese Taipei.