PV Sindhu wins Hylo Open 2024: '31 is the new 21' after Super 500 triumph
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu claimed her second title of the season on Sunday, 1 November, defeating Denmark's Line Hojmark Kjærsfeldt 21-12, 21-14 in the women's singles final of the Hylo Open Super 500 tournament in Saarbrücken, Germany. The second-seeded Indian wrapped up the USD 500,000 event in a brisk 39 minutes, dominating the eighth-seeded Dane from start to finish.
A Statement Victory in Saarbrücken
Sindhu made a commanding start in the opening game, gradually seizing control of the rallies to take it 21-12. She carried that momentum into the second game, surging to a 6-3 lead before extending it to 17-11. The former world champion sealed the title on her first championship point after Kjærsfeldt committed a net error, completing a dominant display of sharp stroke-play, deceptive shots, and an effective net game.
Sindhu's X Post: Gratitude, Grace, and a Playful Jab at Age
Shortly after her win, Sindhu posted a celebratory message on X, opening with the German phrase 'Danke schön' — meaning 'thank you very much' — as a nod to the host nation. In a light-hearted remark that quickly drew attention, she wrote: 'They say 31 is the new 21. I'm not going to argue.' She also credited her faith, adding: 'Through every high and every low, by Hanuman Ji's grace. Still chasing. Always.' The post resonated widely, reflecting both her competitive hunger and her characteristic warmth.
Second Title of the Season, Eyes on World Tour Finals
The Hylo Open triumph is Sindhu's second title of 2024, following her Japan Open victory in July. She had also finished runner-up at the French Open the previous week, underlining a strong run of form heading into the season's final stretch. With the Saarbrücken title, Sindhu earned 9,200 ranking points, meaningfully strengthening her campaign to qualify for the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals.
Why This Win Matters
Sindhu's resurgence at 31 carries broader significance. After a relatively lean patch in 2022–23, this back-to-back final run — a title and a runner-up finish in consecutive weeks — signals a return to her best. Notably, the Super 500 victory adds to a career already decorated with two Olympic medals, a World Championship gold, and multiple Commonwealth and Asian Games titles. For Indian badminton, her consistency on the European swing provides crucial momentum ahead of Olympic qualification cycles.