Sydney: The world No. 10 went down 22-20, 21-12 to world No. 3 Yamaguchi in a 43-minute clash at the BWF Super 500 tournament in Sydney, ending India’s campaign at the tournament.

Sindhu started strongly and matched the Japanese star point for point in a closely fought opening game. The two-time Olympic medallist held a slender advantage at the mid-game interval and looked on course to take the lead. However, Yamaguchi shifted momentum after the break, winning six consecutive points to seize control.

The Indian shuttler fought back bravely and even saved a game point when trailing 20-19, but Yamaguchi held her nerve to claim the opener 22-20 in a tense finish.

The second game proved to be a one-sided affair as the reigning world champion dominated from the outset. Yamaguchi surged to a 13-6 lead after a run of seven straight points, leaving Sindhu struggling to close the gap. The Japanese ace maintained her intensity and sealed the game 21-12 to book her place in the final.

The defeat marked Sindhu’s second semi-final appearance on the 2026 BWF World Tour. Earlier this year, she reached the last four of the Malaysia Open Super 1000 before losing to China’s Wang Zhiyi.

Sindhu is still searching for her first BWF World Tour title since winning the Syed Modi International in Lucknow in 2024. Despite the setback, her back-to-back deep runs this season indicate a return to strong form as she continues her pursuit of a major title.

India’s challenge at the Australian Open had already suffered setbacks earlier, with men’s doubles pair MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan retiring from their quarter-final match. In men’s singles, no Indian player progressed beyond the opening round, making Sindhu the country’s last remaining contender in Sydney.