Treesa and Gayatri shines at Singapore open

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand’s impressive run at the Singapore Open ended with a straight-game loss to World No. 4 pair Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida in the semifinals.

Women’s doubles in badminton is known for its long, intense rallies, often featuring 80-90 shot exchanges. These matches are characterized by steady, strategic play rather than the quick, powerful exchanges seen in men’s or mixed doubles. This slower pace can be unappealing to some, but it demands patience and an appreciation for the sport’s subtleties.

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, at just 21 years old, are still developing their skills and strategy. Their recent performances, including victories over top 10 pairings, show their potential. However, women’s doubles requires time and consistency to perfect, as seen with past champions like Jwala Gutta.

Critics often focus on Gayatri, Pullela Gopichand’s daughter, expecting relentless attacks. Yet, women’s doubles is more about tactical play and defense, areas where both players excel. Pairing them with other partners for quick results is not a wise approach, as success in this category requires stability and growth.

Treesa and Gayatri need to prioritize certain tournaments for peak performance, similar to the strategies of other successful Indian players. They will face challenges and losses, but they are progressing well towards becoming a top-tier pair. Calls to replace them with other combinations are premature and overlook the nuances of women’s doubles.

Despite criticisms, especially directed at Gayatri, the pair is steadily improving and deserves patience and support. Women’s doubles may take time to fully appreciate, but Treesa and Gayatri are on a promising path, deserving of persistence and encouragement without constant scrutiny.