The 2025 Sudirman Cup, held in the bustling city of Xiamen, China, continues to deliver electrifying badminton action and compelling storylines. Among the standout performances so far, Japan’s ruthless 5-0 demolition of France on Tuesday sent a clear message to the rest of the contenders: the perennial runners-up are not here to settle for second best again.
With that commanding victory, Japan advanced to the quarter-finals of the biennial mixed-team event, cementing their status as one of the front-runners in this year’s tournament. More than just a win, it was a statement of intent—Japan is determined to finally lift the coveted Sudirman Cup after coming agonizingly close on three previous occasions.
Dominance From the First Shuttle
The Group C tie between Japan and France was never expected to be an even contest on paper. But few could have predicted the sheer dominance the Japanese squad would exhibit on the court.
The mixed doubles match kicked off proceedings with Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara taking center stage. The young pair played with composure and confidence, outmaneuvering France’s Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue—one of Europe’s most formidable duos. With sharp net play and consistent smashes, the Japanese duo wrapped up the match in straight games, giving Japan a 1-0 lead.
In the men’s singles, Koki Watanabe showcased why he’s quickly rising through the global ranks. Facing French shuttler Toma Junior Popov, Watanabe combined agility with precision, maintaining relentless pressure throughout the rallies. His dominance on court extended into a straight-game win, putting Japan up 2-0 and in the driver’s seat.
Then came women’s singles star Akane Yamaguchi, currently ranked No. 4 in the world. Her match was perhaps the most lopsided of the day. With impeccable footwork and effortless shot-making, Yamaguchi dismantled Marie Batomene in under 30 minutes. That victory gave Japan an unassailable 3-0 lead, officially securing their spot in the quarter-finals.
But Japan wasn’t done yet.
Clean Sweep Seals Supremacy
Despite having secured the tie, Japan showed no signs of easing off. The men’s doubles match featured Olympic bronze medalists Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi, who were clinical in their dismantling of Christo Popov and Ronan Labar. Their chemistry and tactical awareness were on full display, leaving the French duo searching for answers.
In the final rubber, Japan’s women’s doubles pair, Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara, took the court. Facing Margot Lambert and Anne Tran, the Japanese stars were relentless in their attacking style and tight formations. Their straight-game win completed a 5-0 whitewash, Japan’s second in as many matches.
The scoreboard might show a simple clean sweep, but what it really revealed was a team operating at near-peak form, brimming with confidence, and determined to erase the pain of past shortcomings.
The Elusive First Title History of Near Misses
Japan’s hunger for the Sudirman Cup is rooted in history. Since the tournament’s inception in 1989, the East Asian nation has grown into a badminton powerhouse. However, the Sudirman Cup remains the only major international team trophy missing from their cabinet.
Their closest brushes with glory came in 2015, 2019, and 2021. In each of those campaigns, Japan marched confidently to the final, only to fall at the last hurdle—twice to China and once to Korea. In the 2021 edition in Vantaa, Finland, Japan was tipped as the favorite. Yet, China prevailed in a high-intensity final, underlining the narrow margins at the top level of the sport.
This year, however, feels different.
Head coach Park Joo-bong, a former Olympic gold medalist for South Korea and a transformative figure in Japanese badminton, has assembled a balanced and battle-hardened squad. There is youth, there is experience, and most importantly, there is depth—essential in a mixed-team event where strength across all five disciplines is crucial.
Japan’s Rise as a Badminton Powerhouse
The journey of Japanese badminton from a middling presence to a global force has been nothing short of remarkable. Ten years ago, Japan was still seen as underdogs against the likes of China, Indonesia, and Korea. That perception has drastically shifted.
Players like Kento Momota, Nozomi Okuhara, Yuta Watanabe, and Akane Yamaguchi have been instrumental in redefining Japan’s badminton identity. They brought flair, discipline, and a tactical acumen that has put Japan consistently in medal contention across global events.
The Japanese Badminton Association’s grassroots and high-performance programs have played a pivotal role as well. From state-of-the-art training centers to strategic foreign coaching hires, Japan’s approach has been methodical and patient. And now, with the Sudirman Cup trophy so tantalizingly close, the results of that investment may finally come to fruition.
Quarter-Finals What Lies Ahead
With qualification secured, Japan now looks ahead to the knockout rounds. The road to the title, however, will not be easy.
China, the most decorated nation in Sudirman Cup history with 12 titles, remains a formidable threat. Hosts this year, they benefit from passionate home support and a roster stacked with world champions across disciplines.
Denmark and Indonesia, both of whom have shown strong form in the group stages, also stand in Japan’s path. The Danes bring European flair and a powerful men’s singles and doubles lineup, while Indonesia, with its deep tradition and explosive attacking style, is always a tough customer in team events.
Coach Park remains cautiously optimistic.
“We have done well in the group stage, but we are aware the real challenge begins in the quarter-finals. Our players are focused. We are aiming not just to compete, but to win,” said Park in a post-match interview.
French Takeaways Silver Lining Despite Defeat
While France was comprehensively beaten, the tie offered important lessons for their emerging team. Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue remain one of Europe’s brightest mixed doubles pairings, and the Popov brothers continue to be a beacon for French men’s badminton.
France’s growing investment in the sport is starting to bear fruit, and while they are not yet at the level of Japan or China, the experience of competing at the Sudirman Cup will aid their development. In a few years, they might be the ones dishing out 5-0 wins.
Voices from the Court
After the match, Japan’s Koki Watanabe emphasized the importance of team synergy.
“We’re not just playing for ourselves. Every point counts for the team, and that unity drives us to push harder,” he said.
Akane Yamaguchi echoed the sentiment, saying, “We want to bring the Sudirman Cup home. It’s time.”
Even younger players like Yuichi Shimogami, making his tournament debut, felt the weight and honor of representing Japan at such a high level.
“It’s incredible to play in this environment. The team energy lifts you up. We want to keep going.”
What Victory Means for Japan
Beyond just qualifying for the quarter-finals, Japan’s performance against France sends a resounding message. This is a team that has matured from hopefuls into potential champions. Their balance across all five disciplines—men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles—makes them a nightmare to strategize against.
Moreover, the psychological boost of such a commanding victory can’t be understated. Confidence in tournament play often proves to be the X-factor in close matches, especially during knockout rounds.
The momentum is building. The team chemistry is strong. And the hunger is unmistakable.
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