Lakshya Sen Analyzes All England Open Final Defeat Amid Physical Strain
Indian badminton sensation Lakshya Sen has opened up about his recent loss in the All England Open final, pointing to significant physical challenges and a transformed mental approach since his previous appearance in the tournament's championship match. The 24-year-old shuttler fell to Taiwan's Lin Chun-Yi with scores of 15-21, 20-22, marking another finals appearance without securing the coveted title.
Physical Toll from Grueling Matches Takes Center Stage
Sen revealed that a combination of factors contributed to his defeat, most notably the exhaustion from a demanding week of play. A foot blister and overall muscle fatigue were critical issues, exacerbated by a marathon 97-minute semi-final just hours before the final. In total, Sen spent 91 more minutes on court than his opponent Lin throughout the tournament, leading to shoulder fatigue that made the final a physically lopsided affair.
"The semi-final I played took a toll on my body, with the cramps I had. I did everything I could to recover well and come back fresh for the final, but it was tough to get back to 100%," Sen stated during a media interaction on Tuesday. He added, "The whole week had been demanding with long matches from the very first day, and the muscles got tired. Even during the semi-final, I was cramping a lot, and the fatigue was still there in the final."
Sen's Journey to the Final: A Test of Resilience
Despite the physical setbacks, Sen's path to the final showcased his skill and determination. His week included impressive victories over:
- Top seed and World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi
- Former World No. 6 Angus Ng Ka Long
- Sixth seed Li Shi Feng
Notably, only one match before the final concluded in two sets, underscoring the intensity of his campaign. Sen acknowledged that both he and Lin started the final on an even footing, having each played five matches that week, but admitted to feeling "disheartened" not to clinch the title.
Evolved Mindset: From Dreamer to Believer
A key difference between Sen's 2022 All England final against Viktor Axelsen and his 2026 performance lies in his expectations. In 2022, he took only 10 and 15 points from the Dane, respectively, and approached the tournament with a dream-like, expectation-free attitude. Now, after the heartbreak of missing a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sen has become a more resolute and prepared player.
"I feel the first time when I played the finals of the All England, I was probably still dreaming that whole week that I am playing in such a big event and I have reached the finals. I was enjoying and playing without any expectation," Sen explained. "But here when I could reach the closing of the tournament, the semi-finals, the quarter-finals, I was better prepared in certain ways to know what's coming and how to play in these pressure matches where I have played big events now and was just trying to focus on playing my best."
He emphasized his newfound belief: "This time I had that belief throughout the tournament that I can win the tournament. Having come this close, I am also proud and also a little bit disheartened that I couldn't get the final win. In 2022 it was a little bit different where I was just trying to see how far I can go. And was just enjoying a bit more without any expectation. But this time I had that belief and also a little bit of expectation with me that if I do certain things I can win the tournament."
Looking Ahead with Confidence and Humility
Sen's reflections highlight a mature athlete who balances disappointment with pride in his progress. His ability to reach the finals again, despite physical adversities, signals a promising trajectory in his career. With a visa secured for long-term play in the UK and a joke about winning the All England title three to four times, Sen's ambition remains undimmed, even as he learns from each setback.
As Indian badminton continues to shine on the global stage, Sen's journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that growth often comes through challenges and that belief, coupled with experience, can transform near-misses into future victories.
