For Leong Jun Hao, the 2025 badminton season has been a journey filled with growth, grit, and learning. Though his recent outing at the French Open ended earlier than he had hoped, the young Malaysian shuttler is determined to transform that disappointment into fuel for his next challenge — the Hylo Open in Saarbrücken, Germany.
The French setback was not a failure, but rather a lesson — one that the 25-year-old believes will shape him into a more complete player, both mentally and technically. As he prepares for his next campaign, Jun Hao’s focus remains on consistency, composure, and confidence — three pillars that have defined his steady rise in recent years.
A Lesson in Paris
Jun Hao’s run at the French Open began with promise. Coming off an encouraging performance at the Arctic Open a week prior, the Malaysian looked sharp in his early rounds in Paris. His trademark agility and deft net play were on full display, helping him breeze past the opening stage with precision and patience.
However, in the second round, he encountered a stern test against an experienced European opponent — a match that would eventually expose the gaps in his game and test his mental fortitude. Despite a strong start, Jun Hao struggled to maintain his momentum, losing in straight games.
“I made too many mistakes at crucial points,” Jun Hao admitted after the defeat. “I started well, but I couldn’t control the pace when he changed his rhythm. It’s something I need to manage better — staying calm when the match gets tight.”
While the loss was disappointing, Jun Hao took it in stride. Rather than dwell on the negatives, he viewed it as a valuable opportunity to learn. “It’s part of the process,” he added. “Every loss teaches me something. What matters now is how I respond.”
Turning Frustration into Fuel
True to his words, Jun Hao’s attitude in the aftermath of the French Open reflected maturity beyond his years. Instead of retreating into frustration, he immediately returned to training — focusing on refining the small details that make a big difference in elite badminton. Under the guidance of Malaysia’s men’s singles coach, Hendrawan, Jun Hao reviewed his matches and identified specific areas for improvement: tactical awareness, defensive transitions, and shot discipline under pressure.
“Coach Hendrawan reminded me that good players don’t fear mistakes — they learn from them,” Jun Hao explained. “He told me to focus on execution and not to get frustrated when things don’t go as planned. That advice stuck with me.”
His renewed mindset was evident during practice sessions at the national training center. Observers noted a more patient, composed version of Jun Hao — one who was not only working hard but also working smart.
The upcoming Hylo Open, scheduled just a week after the French Open, became his next proving ground. “It’s a quick turnaround,” he said, “but I want to show improvement. I don’t want to repeat the same mistakes.”
Steady Growth on the International Stage
Leong Jun Hao’s journey has never been one of instant success. From his early days as a promising junior to his gradual rise in the senior ranks, his career has been marked by perseverance and evolution.
A former Asian Junior Championships finalist, Jun Hao was long touted as one of Malaysia’s brightest prospects. However, injuries and inconsistency hampered his early transition to the senior circuit. Many young players might have crumbled under such pressure, but Jun Hao remained patient, trusting his process.
“I knew my time would come if I stayed consistent,” he said in a past interview. “Badminton is not about one season — it’s about how long you can sustain your form.”
That persistence paid off in 2023, when Jun Hao enjoyed a breakthrough year, climbing steadily in the world rankings and posting solid results in the Thailand Masters, Taipei Open, and Vietnam Open. His performances caught the attention of both fans and officials, who began to see him as one of Malaysia’s key men’s singles hopes alongside Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong.
In 2024, Jun Hao’s development continued under the revamped Malaysian badminton setup. The arrival of Rexy Mainaky as director of coaching brought renewed emphasis on mental resilience and tactical versatility — two traits that Jun Hao has been diligently cultivating.
Mental Fortitude The Next Frontier
While Jun Hao’s physical abilities have never been in doubt — his footwork, balance, and control are among the best in Malaysia — his mental game remains the area he seeks to strengthen most.
“In men’s singles, everyone has power and speed,” he explained. “What separates the top 10 players from the rest is the ability to handle pressure — to stay focused when the game swings.”
He often cites matches against players like Kodai Naraoka, Loh Kean Yew, and Kunlavut Vitidsarn as valuable learning experiences. “They don’t panic,” he observed. “Even when they’re trailing, they play each point like it’s the first. That’s the level I want to reach.”
To help with this, Jun Hao has incorporated visualization and breathing techniques into his pre-match routine. His coaches have also encouraged him to analyze his matches with a calm, objective mindset — focusing on strategy rather than emotion.
“It’s about trusting yourself,” he said. “Sometimes I used to doubt my decisions mid-rally, and that cost me points. Now, I tell myself — whatever shot you choose, commit to it fully.”
That shift in mentality, he believes, will be crucial as he steps into the Hylo Open, where he faces a field packed with fast, tactical opponents from Europe and Asia.
Hylo Open A Fresh Battlefield
The Hylo Open, held annually in Saarbrücken, is known for producing surprises. The hall’s low ceiling, shuttles’ unique flight behavior, and fast-paced conditions make it a challenge even for seasoned players.
For Jun Hao, it represents both a test and an opportunity — a chance to bounce back immediately from the French Open and to gain valuable ranking points before the year ends.
“I’ve played in Saarbrücken before, so I know what to expect,” he said. “It’s a tricky environment, but I’m ready. The key is adapting quickly — adjusting to drift, shuttle speed, and lighting.”
His preparation has been methodical. Rather than overhaul his game, he’s focusing on small, impactful adjustments — particularly in his defensive recovery and transition from defense to attack. His coaches have also been drilling him on situational awareness: reading opponents’ patterns and staying one step ahead in long rallies.
“Hylo is about rhythm,” said coach Hendrawan. “If you can control the tempo, you can control the match. Jun Hao has the tools; now it’s about applying them consistently.”
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