Following the women’s singles group stages, the last European left standing, Mia Blichfelt, faced the tough prospect of taking on the defending silver medallist from Rio 2016, Pusarla V. Sindhu. After leaving everything out on court in a 41-minute battle, it wasn’t enough.
In 2021, the Dane faced the Indian superstar on two occasions. At the Thailand Open, the determined Dane scored her first win over Sindhu – 16-21, 26-24, 21-13. Sindhu was able to set the record straight at the Swiss Open semifinal a few months later, winning 22-20, 21-10.
Today, the reigning World Champion from Basel, Switzerland, came out fast out of the blocks.
-I think she came out quite fast, didn't make mistakes, made it hard for me, and I struggled a lot. I was battling against myself and pushing away my thoughts. I was not satisfied with how I was playing and the rallies I lost, and that came out [negatively] with myself, explained Blichfeldt.
Despite taking the opening game, Sindhu was not overly satisfied.
-I was rushing in defence a bit but my coach told me that I was playing the wrong way and I was able to change how I played. And then in the second game I think it was fine, I maintained the lead and was under control, Sindhu stated.
Sindhu went on to take the match 21-15, 21-13.
The big occasion
Sindhu’s record on the big stage is second to none. In the last eight years, she has accumulated two bronze, two silver and one gold at the World Championships, and of course the Olympic silver medal from Rio. On her ability to rise to the occasion at big tournaments, Sindhu answers.
-A lot of people have told me that. I will take that as a compliment. But for me each and every game is important. It's important to focus on every point, and not the match.