PV Sindhu pens emotional note after US Open exit, vows to make rest of the year ‘remarkable’

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu is having a tough year and her loss at the US Open 2023 quarter-finals against the People's Republic of China’s Gao Fang Jie left a profound ‘emotional impact’ on the two-time Olympic medallist.

The former world badminton champion, however, also vowed to use the disappointment as a turning point and make the rest of the year ‘remarkable.’

“This loss has left a significant emotional impact on me, especially considering the challenging and demanding year I've had,” PV Sindhu wrote in a Twitter post on Monday. “However, I am determined to channel my emotions into redoubling my efforts and making the remainder of the year truly remarkable.”

PV Sindhu also credited Gao for completely outplaying her during the 22-20, 21-13 straight-game loss in Iowa.

“Gao outplayed me in straight sets this time, making effective use of my weaknesses. I must commend her for being fully prepared and delivering an impressive performance. Next time I face you Gao, it will be a battle,” the Indian badminton ace said.

The US Open loss was the latest in a series of disappointing results PV Sindhu has endured this season.

PV Sindhu is yet to win a BWF World Tour title this year. She reached the final at the Madrid Masters but lost the decider. She has a tough draw at the Korea Open, starting Tuesday..

The Indian did make the semi-finals at the Malaysia Masters and Canada Open while reaching the quarters at the US Open but the rest of the results have been poor. Sindhu has failed to progress beyond the second round in any of the other seven BWF World Tour tournaments she has played in this year. Five of these were first-round exits.

The poor run of results has seen PV Sindhu drop out of the top 10 in the women’s singles badminton rankings. With the badminton qualification window having kicked off on May 1, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion needs to rediscover her form soon to make the cut for next year’s Summer Olympics in Paris.

PV Sindhu also said she has been inspired by how her compatriot Lakshya Sen has turned his season around after a disappointing start. After going through a tough phase, much like Sindhu, Lakshya Sen won the Canada Open and made the semis of the US Open this month.

“I want to express my genuine happiness for Lakshya, who has been performing exceptionally well despite the difficulties he has faced. Witnessing his strong performances has been truly inspiring,” PV Sindhu said in her note.