Indian badminton icon PV Sindhu finds herself at a critical juncture in her career, grappling with an 0-8 head-to-head record against World No.1 An Se-young. The latest defeat came at the China Masters Super 750 tournament in Shenzhen on September 19, 2025, where Sindhu bowed out in the quarterfinals after a straight-games loss (14-21, 13-21) to the Korean star. Despite her early-round dominance, Sindhu struggled to match An’s consistency, deception, and court control.
Speaking after the match, Sindhu acknowledged the challenge but remained resolute: “Nobody is unbeatable, but I have to work hard to get there.” Her words reflect both frustration and determination, as she continues to search for answers against a rival who has become her toughest puzzle on the BWF circuit.
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PV Sindhu vs An Se-young: Head-to-Head Record
| Tournament | Year | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia Masters | 2022 | Loss | 21-15, 16-21, 18-21 |
| Korea Open | 2022 | Loss | 14-21, 17-21 |
| All England Open | 2023 | Loss | 20-22, 17-21 |
| Malaysia Open | 2023 | Loss | 13-21, 21-19, 15-21 |
| India Open | 2024 | Loss | 18-21, 14-21 |
| Singapore Open | 2024 | Loss | 21-23, 19-21 |
| Japan Open | 2025 | Loss | 12-21, 16-21 |
| China Masters | 2025 | Loss | 14-21, 13-21 |
Sindhu has managed to win only one game across these eight encounters, underscoring the tactical and psychological edge An Se-young holds.
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Sindhu’s Strengths vs An’s Superiority
| Attribute | PV Sindhu | An Se-young |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Reach | Strong smashes, tall frame | Compact, agile, deceptive |
| Net Play | Improving, but inconsistent | Sharp, precise, unpredictable |
| Movement | Slightly slower transitions | Lightning-fast footwork |
| Mental Toughness | Resilient, but pressured | Calm, composed under fire |
| Match Strategy | Aggressive, high-risk | Controlled, error-free |
Sindhu’s aggressive style often leads to unforced errors against An’s patient and tactical gameplay.
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What Sindhu Needs to Change
| Area of Improvement | Suggested Strategy |
|---|---|
| Shot Variation | Mix up pace, use more drop shots and slices |
| Net Control | Dominate front court to disrupt An’s rhythm |
| Defensive Recovery | Improve lateral movement and anticipation |
| Match Preparation | Simulate An’s style in training with sparring partners |
| Mental Conditioning | Work with sports psychologists to build composure |
Sindhu’s team is reportedly analyzing match footage to identify patterns and weaknesses that can be exploited.
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Sindhu’s Recent Form on BWF Tour
| Tournament | Round Reached | Notable Wins |
|---|---|---|
| China Masters | Quarterfinals | Defeated World No.6 Pornpawee Chochuwong |
| India Open | Round of 16 | Beat Supanida Katethong |
| Malaysia Masters | Semifinals | Defeated Busanan Ongbamrungphan |
| Singapore Open | Quarterfinals | Beat Line Christophersen |
Sindhu has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency against top-5 players remains elusive.
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An Se-young’s Dominance in 2025
| Tournament | Result |
|---|---|
| Paris Olympics | Gold Medal |
| China Masters | Semifinalist (ongoing) |
| Korea Open | Champion |
| All England Open | Finalist |
| Japan Open | Champion |
An’s ability to adapt mid-match and maintain composure under pressure has made her the most formidable player on the women’s circuit.
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Sindhu’s Roadmap to Break the 0-8 Curse
| Step | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Tactical Reboot | Work with new coaches to develop match-specific strategies |
| Physical Conditioning | Focus on agility, endurance, and recovery speed |
| Tournament Selection | Play more Super 500 events to build rhythm and confidence |
| Mental Resilience | Use visualization and mindfulness techniques |
| Peer Learning | Study how players like Akane Yamaguchi and Tai Tzu-ying challenge An |
Sindhu’s camp is expected to recalibrate her 2025–26 season to prioritize matchups against top-ranked opponents.
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Conclusion: Sindhu’s Fight Is Far From Over
PV Sindhu’s 0-8 record against An Se-young is a stark reminder of the evolving dynamics in world badminton. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that champions rise from adversity. Sindhu’s statement—“Nobody is unbeatable, but I have to work hard to get there”—is not just a reflection of her mindset, but a promise to her fans and to herself.
With renewed focus, strategic adjustments, and the hunger that has defined her career, Sindhu’s journey to break the An Se-young barrier is far from over. The road ahead may be steep, but for a two-time Olympic medallist, it’s just another mountain to climb.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available tournament data, verified match reports, and athlete statements. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute coaching, medical, or psychological advice. All performance metrics are subject to updates from official BWF sources.
