Seventeen-year-old Unnati Hooda has created a massive upset at the China Open 2025, defeating Indian badminton superstar PV Sindhu in a thrilling 73-minute marathon match.
A Breakthrough Victory
In a performance that signaled a potential shift in Indian badminton, Hooda triumphed over the more experienced Sindhu with a score of 21-16, 19-21, 21-13. The electrifying match captivated the crowd in Changzhou, as the young talent showcased her formidable skills and unwavering resolve.
Years in the Making
Hailing from Haryana, Hooda has been recognized as a special talent since the age of 14. She’s known for her stubbornness on court, her fearlessness against top players, and an abundance of self-belief. Despite Sindhu’s struggles with deep tournament runs and speed, it still required immense composure and skill for Hooda to secure this victory.
Strategic Masterclass
Hooda’s win wasn’t just about talent; it was a result of meticulous preparation. After a tough loss to Sindhu at the Syed Modi tournament, Hooda and her team spent months devising a detailed plan. Her goal was to deny Sindhu the elevation needed for her powerful smashes and keep her constantly moving in the front court.
She expertly targeted Sindhu’s low lunge, peppering the forehand spots with pinpoint drops, even from challenging positions. This strategy effectively kept Sindhu on the defensive, forcing her to retrieve shuttles rather than dictate play.
Unwavering Composure Under Pressure
Hooda set the tone early, maintaining her lead throughout the first set. Her clean striking and agile footwork were instrumental. Despite facing a player of Sindhu’s caliber, Hooda remained unfazed, showing remarkable self-assurance. She was prepared for long rallies, confident in her ability to outmaneuver Sindhu even after many exchanges.
Even after losing the second set from a strong position, Hooda’s fighting spirit shone through. She engaged Sindhu in one of the longest and fastest rallies seen in Indian badminton, showcasing a variety of drops and tosses that left Sindhu struggling and panting.
Sealing the Deal in the Decider
In the crucial third set, Hooda demonstrated impressive cerebral play, opening up the court strategically. She skillfully lured Sindhu into difficult positions, making it hard for her to recover for the next shot. Hooda also unleashed her own effective smash, stunning Sindhu with two down-the-line shots that helped her build a commanding 15-10 lead.
Sindhu struggled to gain control, and Hooda’s resilient scramble defense proved too much to overcome. The match concluded with Hooda sealing her victory with an expansive cross-court smash, a shot that would make any badminton player proud.
- Unnati Hooda (17) defeated PV Sindhu in a 73-minute match at the China Open 2025.
- Hooda’s victory was a result of meticulous tactical preparation and strategic play targeting Sindhu’s weaknesses.
- She maintained remarkable composure and self-belief throughout the high-pressure match.
- This win is seen as a significant moment, marking Hooda’s arrival on the international stage.
Unnati’s father, Upkaar Hooda, shared that they had skipped lunch to prepare for this big match, a testament to their hunger for success. This victory is undoubtedly just the beginning for the promising young shuttler.
