Fresh and raring to go after a long injury layoff, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is looking to “make the most of the home advantage” at the India Open Super 750, beginning in New Delhi on Tuesday. After battling poor form and a foot injury through much of 2025, Sindhu is keen to turn things around as a fresh season begins.
‘Goal is to remain injury free’
“I started with the Malaysian Open last week and I felt good. I was moving around well and felt like myself after the long injury layoff. It boosted my confidence,” said Sindhu, who had a semi-final finish in Malaysia. “We have a tight schedule this year, with the World Championships at home and the Asian Games. It is important to pick and choose tournaments well and my goal is to remain injury-free and give my 100 per cent on the court,” she added.
Reflecting on her time away from competition, the five-time World Championships medallist revealed she spent time working on both, the physical and mental aspects of her game.
“Injuries take a toll on you. I had a foot injury and was away for long [October-December 2025]. I reflected on various aspects of my game during this time. I visited Atlanta, USA, along with my husband [Venkata Datta Sai], both for a holiday and rehabilitation. I was lucky enough to get the best trainers and physiotherapists there. The United States has always been way ahead. It was good to get a break and have access to great facilities to do proper rehab,” Sindhu added.
Come Tuesday, Sindhu will be leading the women’s challenge at the India Open, which also serves as a test event for the World Championships scheduled for August 2026. “It’s really good to have the World Championships at home. It’s something else to play in front of your home crowd. It may bring added pressure, but at the same time it propels you to give your best. This India Open is being played on a new court which will be used for the World Championships, so, it’s good.”
Sindhu also offered some insight about how she has upscaled her game over the last few years. “I have been working on my skills and agility. Women’s singles has changed considerably over the years. Now, you have to be patient because everyone’s defence has become much stronger. You may attack and hit smashes, but players have strong defences, so you have to ensure rallies go longer and you move to the net after every smash. You have to upscale your skills and be very alert.”
Rhythm is key
The World No. 18 finally insisted that she’s more focused on her immediate goals rather than rankings. “As the season progresses, I want to remain strong and in good rhythm. I am not chasing rankings. If I play well, they will improve automatically, as you saw last week. The goal is to be better and sharper,” she concluded.
18
PV Sindhu’s current World Ranking
One
No. of semi-final appearances made by Sindhu in the last 13 months — at the Malaysia Open 2026
Three
No. of quarter-final appearances for PV Sindhu in BWF tournaments in 2025
Three
No. of months PV Sindhu was out injured, from October 2025 till the Malaysia Open last week
