Lakshya Sen's Rollercoaster 2025: From Injury Doubts to Australian Open Glory
Indian badminton sensation Lakshya Sen has revealed that the uncertainty surrounding his return to peak fitness constituted the most challenging period of his 2025 season. Despite clinching a Super 500 title at the Australia Open towards the end of a grueling year, the shuttler's journey was marred by persistent back issues that tested his mental fortitude as much as his physical capabilities.
The Physical and Mental Toll of Recovery
In a candid conversation, Sen identified the early part of the 2025 season as his lowest point. "The worst day was early in the season when I was struggling with niggling injuries — especially my back issue," he confessed. The athlete highlighted that the psychological battle often proved more daunting than the physical pain itself. "The hardest part is the uncertainty — wondering how long recovery will take, whether I'll come back at full speed, and not being able to compete at my top level," Sen explained, detailing the frustration of rigorous rehabilitation that sometimes still left him feeling limited.
Hong Kong Final Heartbreak: A Lesson in Pressure
While injuries presented one form of challenge, losing the Hong Kong Open final to China's Li Shifeng delivered a different kind of blow. Sen described this defeat as his toughest loss of the year, acknowledging how deeply it stung. "That match was a big test — not just physically but mentally. I had played some long points, had my chances, but I couldn't close it out," he recalled. However, the Indian star found value in this setback, noting that it taught him crucial lessons about match temperament and handling pressure during critical moments.
Triumph in Sydney: Process Over Results
Sen's season culminated in a spectacular victory at the Sathio Australian Open 2025, where he dominated Japan's Yushi Tanaka with a decisive 21-15, 21-11 win in the final. The champion attributed his success to maintaining routine and focus, revealing his pre-final breakfast of simple oats and eggs for sustained energy. Crucial guidance from coach Yoo Yong-sung proved instrumental. "One key thing he kept telling me was: play one point at a time," Sen shared. "He reminded me to focus on the process, not the scoreboard." This mindset helped him maintain intensity even after building a comfortable lead.
The Art of Defense and Long-Term Career Management
Sen's spectacular defensive displays in Hong Kong and Sydney highlighted his exceptional court coverage, but the player emphasized that his dramatic dives are strategic rather than theatrical. "It's not about show-boating; it's about minimizing risk, but being prepared to stretch, recover, and continue the rally if needed," he stated. Interestingly, Sen revealed that he actually trains to avoid diving whenever possible. "I've been working on footwork and moving with the right step forward and sideways to play returns on my foot. If I have to have a long career, I can't be doing those things at age 30," he noted pragmatically, acknowledging the injury risks associated with such desperate retrievals.
Following his Australian Open victory, Sen joined in the lighthearted moment surrounding the medals, joking after Malaysian player Chen Tang Jie received an incorrectly inscribed medal. "I got my right medal for men's singles. Maybe they had extra men's singles medals, and everyone was men's singles winner!" he laughed. His triumphant 2025 season conclusion demonstrates that despite the season's physical struggles and mental challenges, Lakshya Sen has emerged stronger, wiser, and firmly back among badminton's elite competitors.
