PUSARLA overthrows TUNJUNG

They say second time’s a charm, but PUSARLA V. Sindhu (India, n°10) doesn’t seem to care about it. For their second confrontation in less than a week, she managed to beat Gregoria Mariska TUNJUNG (Indonesia, n°7) after a spectacular battle in the 1st round of the Yonex French Open (12/21 21/18 21/15).

Looking confident despite her loss last week in Denmark, TUNJUNG perfectly handles the first set, showing no difficulties to control the Indian’s power. Smaller than her opponent, the Indonesian still manages to make PUSARLA move using her great sense of timing and variations. The 2019 world champion seemed a bit off, unable to develop her own style (12/21).

She quickly gets in front and show a 4-point lead at the break (11/7). PUSARLA moves far better and finally seem to be in control of her game: it is now TUNJUNG’s turn to run after the shuttle. World n°7 is though not ready to let it happen and the real battle started. Fighting for every single point, PUSARLA loses her advantage and is down 16/18 but still manages to force a decisive set, leaving everything she has on the court.

Both players start the third set the same way they ended the second, with maximum intensity. TUNJUNG even falls on the ground after another rally won by PUSARLA V who don’t show any sign of physical difficulties. It is just too much for the Indonesian who explodes, unable to keep the pace. PUSARLA finishes the job and win one of the tightest matches of the day.

Talking about her victory, she mentions various aspects: “We knew each other’s game and it was really important for me to just be in the game. When she came back in the second set, I was only thinking about winning the very next point. Third set I was leading from the beginning, and I continued with the tempo. I’m happy!”.

Next game for the Indian will also be a revival of the Denmark Open as she will face Supanida KATETHONG (Thailand, n°16).