Full list of tournaments Saina Nehwal has missed so far in 2023

Published at :April 30, 2023 at 12:10 AM

Modified at :May 22, 2023 at 11:03 PM

The London Olympics medalist will hope to be back at her best for the Paris qualification tournaments.

India’s number two singles shuttler Saina Nehwal is yet to regain form and fitness ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024 qualification cycle. The London Olympics bronze medallist has taken part in only three BWF tournaments this year (Malaysian Open, India Open, and Orleans Masters) and simultaneously has withdrawn from many tournaments at the last minute. The 33-year-old is at the fag end of her career with injuries and fitness not helping her either.

Performances so far in 2023

Saina Nehwal opened the 2023 season in the BWF World Tour at the Malaysia Open Super 1000, where she lost to World Number 11, Han Yue of China in three sets (12-21, 21-17, 12-21). She made a good comeback at the India Open defeating higher-ranked Mia Blichfeldt, in front of the home crowd (also breaking her five-match losing streak in the BWF Tour). However, the current WR 29 couldn't hold on to the momentum and lost out to third seed Chen Yu Fei in the pre-quarterfinals.

Saina started the Indonesia Masters on a positive note by winning the opening round but lost to Han Yue in the second round. The 33-year-old took a two-month break missing out on the prestigious All England Championships and the major part of the European circuit. She made her comeback at the Orleans Masters but lost in the opening round to higher-ranked Neslihan Yigit in straight games.

Apart from missing out on the BWF tour, Saina Nehwal hasn't participated in any of the BAI (Badminton Association of India) conducted trials for the team events (due to injury concerns). PV Sindhu is the lone athlete battling out in the women’s singles section with others slightly young and inexperienced to fill in the shoes of Saina Nehwal.

List of tournaments Saina Nehwal has missed/withdrawn from so far in 2023

Swiss Open

All England Badminton Championships

Badminton Asia Championships

Sudirman Cup (Not picked)

Malaysia Masters