PV Sindhu ends 15-year wait, reaches maiden Japan Open semi-final

PV Sindhu reached her first Japan Open semi-final after Nozomi Okuhara withdrew due to injury.

Sindhu is the first Indian women's singles player in 15 years to reach the Japan Open semi-finals, since Saina Nehwal in 2011.

This is Sindhu's third semi-final of the 2026 season, after the Malaysia Open Super 1000 and Australian Open Super 500.

Sindhu defeated World No. 5 Han Yue 21-16, 21-14 in the round of 16 before the walkover.

Sindhu will face World No. 4 Chen Yufei in the semi-final; Chen leads the head-to-head 8-6 and has won their last five meetings.