Sydney, Nov 23 (NationPress) Lakshya Sen expressed his joy at clinching the Super 500 Australian Open, especially after a season marked by numerous challenges. He achieved this victory after a long wait, defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka with scores of 21-15, 21-11, in what proved to be one of his most straightforward finals.

Reflecting on his triumph, Sen remarked, “This season has seen its fair share of challenges, including injuries at the beginning. However, I remained committed to my training and am thrilled to conclude the season positively. I'm eager for what the next season holds and delighted with my performance this week.”

This victory marks Sen's third Super 500 title and follows a close call in Hong Kong earlier this year. The tournament was exhilarating as Sen faced tough matches against compatriot Ayush Shetty and Chou Tien Chen.

When asked about the pivotal moment of his victory, Sen noted, “In the second set, I had a substantial lead, but I was careful not to let my mind wander. Staying focused on each point was key.”

Sen maintained control throughout the match, with Tanaka only momentarily challenging him at 15–13 in the first game. Sen swiftly regained dominance, skillfully varying his shot placements and scoring in bursts. Tanaka's adherence to his game plan backfired as he accrued unforced errors.

At 17–15, Tanaka showcased a brief period of stout defense, but ultimately, it was Sen who dictated the match's pace. Tanaka's attempts at drop shots frequently hit the net, and Sen's persistence paid off after a disappointing experience at last year's Paris Olympics.

“Starting strong was crucial, and maintaining momentum in the final set was essential since the first set was closely contested. I secured an early lead, allowing me to close out the match effectively,” Sen concluded.