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IIE DIGITAL DESK : Indian badminton ace Srikanth Kidambi delivered a commanding performance in the semifinals of the Malaysia Masters 2025, booking his place in the final with a thrilling straight-game victory. The seasoned shuttler, who has been on a resurgence over the past few months, looked composed, sharp, and mentally focused throughout the match, defeating [opponent’s name] with a scoreline of [score] at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

This victory marks a significant moment in Srikanth’s comeback journey, especially after a year marked by inconsistent performances and early exits in major tournaments. In the post-match interview, the 31-year-old spoke candidly about his recent hard work and determination to bounce back. “I’ve been working hard the last month, both physically and mentally. It’s good to see the results finally showing up,” Srikanth said with a smile.

The semifinal clash saw Srikanth take early control of the rallies, displaying a well-balanced mix of aggressive smashes and tight net play. His footwork was notably improved, allowing him to retrieve difficult shots and maintain relentless pressure on his opponent. The Indian shuttler maintained composure in long rallies, often forcing errors from the other side of the court.

Srikanth’s tactical discipline stood out as he frequently changed the pace of the game, unsettling his opponent and dictating play from the front court. His ability to control the tempo ensured he stayed ahead throughout the match. He took the first game 21-16 after pulling away in the second half of the set, and sealed the second 21-14 with a flurry of winners that left the crowd on its feet.

Speaking about his journey to the final, Srikanth emphasized the role of his support team. “My coaches, physios, and trainers have been with me through the ups and downs. It hasn’t been easy. There were moments when I questioned myself, but I stayed committed to the process,” he said.

This final appearance will be Srikanth’s first in over a year, reigniting hopes of his return to the top tier of world badminton. Once ranked world No. 1 in men’s singles, Srikanth has faced a challenging few seasons, with injuries and a dip in form affecting his consistency. But at the Malaysia Masters, he has shown flashes of the brilliance that made him one of the most feared players on the BWF circuit.

The win is also crucial in the context of Olympic qualification rankings and his aspirations for the Paris 2024 Games. Though time is tight, strong performances in tournaments like the Malaysia Masters will help improve his standings and boost confidence heading into the latter half of the season.

Srikanth now awaits the winner of the other semifinal between [opponent names] and will head into the final with renewed confidence. Fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating a gripping title match, especially with Srikanth looking close to his best.

The Indian badminton community has reacted with joy to his achievement, with several former players and coaches praising his grit and perseverance. Social media has been abuzz with support, with fans hailing his semifinal performance as “vintage Srikanth.”

As he gears up for the final showdown, Srikanth remains grounded but focused. “There’s still one more match to go. I just want to recover well, stay calm, and stick to my game plan. Winning this title would mean a lot,” he said, looking ahead with quiet determination.

If he can carry this form into the final, Srikanth Kidambi may well end a long title drought and write a new chapter in his illustrious career — one defined not only by talent but by tenacity and the courage to fight back.

This article covers Srikanth Kidambi’s semifinal triumph at the Badminton Malaysia Masters 2025, including match highlights, his reaction, and what this victory means for his comeback, Olympic hopes, and Indian badminton.