US Open Final: Zhang’s Resilience Defeats Sharma After Early Dominance

In what was a closely fought and emotionally charged women’s singles final at the 2025 US Open Badminton Championship, India’s rising star Tanvi Sharma fell short against the experienced Beiwen Zhang of the United States. The final scoreline—11-21, 21-16, 21-10—reflects the dramatic shift in momentum across three intense games, highlighting both Sharma’s potential and Zhang’s veteran resilience.

This showdown marked a significant milestone in Tanvi Sharma’s career, signaling her growing presence on the international circuit. Despite the loss, her performance throughout the tournament won her accolades for grit, stamina, and tactical maturity far beyond her years.

A Promising Start for the Young Indian

The match began with high energy as Tanvi Sharma came out firing in the first game. Her footwork was crisp, and she looked determined to seize the opportunity of claiming her first major international title. Using aggressive smashes and sharp net play, she dominated the early exchanges, catching Zhang off-guard with her pace and anticipation.

The first game moved quickly in Tanvi’s favor. Her cross-court drives, deceptive wristwork, and well-placed drops pushed Zhang deep into the corners, forcing her to play reactive badminton. The scoreline reflected Sharma’s control—she cruised to a 21-11 win, putting immense pressure on the home favorite.

Observers were quick to note the composure with which Tanvi handled the first game. For a teenager in her first major senior final, her demeanor was impressive. Her confidence, bolstered by a strong semifinal performance, appeared to set the stage for a major upset.

Zhang's Tactical Shift in the Second Game

However, the tide turned quickly in the second game. Beiwen Zhang, known for her tactical intelligence and ability to adapt mid-match, came out with a visibly different strategy. Instead of trying to match Tanvi’s pace, she slowed the game down, forcing longer rallies and drawing Sharma into deep, energy-sapping exchanges.

Zhang’s shot selection improved, and she began to test Sharma’s endurance. She played with more angles, drew her young opponent to the net, and then attacked the baseline with precision. The change in rhythm disrupted Sharma’s timing, and unforced errors began creeping into her game.

From 8-all, Zhang pulled away with a five-point streak, using a mix of sliced drops and sharp drives. The veteran’s experience in handling high-pressure matches became evident. Even as the crowd rallied behind her, Sharma struggled to find her earlier momentum, eventually losing the second game 16-21.

With the score now level at one game apiece, the match was set up for a dramatic decider.

The Decisive Third Game: Zhang Pulls Away

By the time the third game began, Zhang had seized the psychological advantage. She opened with a flurry of points, catching Tanvi flat-footed and hesitant. The physical and mental toll of the earlier games seemed to weigh heavily on the Indian teenager, whose court coverage and recovery slowed noticeably.

Zhang, sensing the moment, pressed forward. Her net play became tighter, and her deep clears landed just inside the lines. Tanvi tried to counter with flick serves and aggressive forehand drives, but Zhang anticipated her every move, responding with measured control and relentless consistency.

At the mid-game interval, Zhang led 11-5. After the break, Tanvi attempted a comeback with a brief rally that closed the gap to 8-12, but a string of net errors and a few mistimed smashes gave Zhang the edge again. With every point, Zhang’s composure deepened, while Tanvi began to show signs of fatigue and frustration.

The game slipped out of her reach rapidly as Zhang closed the match with a series of clinical finishes. The final score—21-10 in the third—was a stark contrast to the commanding start that Tanvi had made.

A Tale of Two Halves

The match ultimately showcased the difference between a talented young contender and an experienced campaigner. Tanvi Sharma, despite her early brilliance, could not sustain the pressure or adapt fast enough to Zhang’s tactical shifts. Meanwhile, Beiwen Zhang demonstrated why she remains a force in international badminton, using her experience and game sense to turn the tide in her favor.

Yet, it was clear to everyone watching that this was a stepping stone, not a setback, for Tanvi. Her performance in the tournament as a whole—defeating higher-ranked players, including a come-from-behind victory in the semifinals—underscored her readiness for the elite level.

A Tournament to Remember for Tanvi Sharma

Tanvi's road to the final was nothing short of inspirational. She defeated three seeded players en route to the summit clash, showcasing remarkable agility, strategic thinking, and on-court intelligence. Her win against Korea’s Ji Yoon Lee in the semifinals—a three-game thriller—was widely lauded as the match of the tournament.

Each win brought more attention to her story: a young athlete from India’s rising pool of badminton stars, with a hunger to emulate champions like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. Her playing style, a blend of finesse and aggression, offers a fresh dimension to India’s badminton landscape.

What Lies Ahead

Despite the heartbreak in the final, the US Open campaign could be the launchpad for a breakout year for Tanvi. With the Olympic qualifiers in sight and more Super Series tournaments lined up, she now has the confidence and the credentials to compete among the world’s best.

Her coach, while acknowledging the disappointment, expressed pride in her run. “Tanvi showed maturity and skill far beyond her age. We will work on endurance and match temperament. This is just the beginning,” he said after the final.

For Tanvi, the loss might sting today, but it will undoubtedly serve as fuel for future success. She leaves the US Open with not just a silver medal, but with the experience of fighting through five matches in six days, adapting to different styles, and learning how to manage the pressures of a grand final.

Zhang’s Experience Reigns Supreme

On the other side, Beiwen Zhang’s victory adds another significant title to her long career. At 34, the American star continues to defy age and injuries, proving that grit and intelligence can often outlast youthful energy.

After the match, Zhang praised her opponent, saying, “Tanvi played with heart. She’s fast, talented, and has a great future. But today, my experience helped me stay in control.”

It was a gracious and heartfelt tribute to the young challenger—one that also reinforced Zhang’s own place in badminton history as a formidable force who continues to evolve.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 US Open Women’s Singles final may not have ended in victory for Tanvi Sharma, but it marked the arrival of a new star in world badminton. Her performance against a seasoned opponent like Beiwen Zhang will be remembered not just for the result, but for the promise it holds.

As the lights dimmed on the court in California, one thing was clear: Tanvi Sharma had not just played a match—she had made a statement.