PV Sindhu Leads Tributes as Tai Tzu-ying Bids Farewell After Record-Breaking Career
PV Sindhu pens touching tribute to retiring Tai Tzu-ying.
Taiwan’s badminton legend Tai Tzu-ying has retired at 31, ending a stellar career with 17 BWF World Tour titles and 12 runner-up finishes, citing persistent injuries as the final blow. The former world No. 1, famed for her graceful deception and wrist magic, last lifted silverware at the 2024 India Open. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote: “A beautiful chapter has come to an end. Thank you, badminton, for everything.” Born in Kaohsiung, Tai battled setbacks since last year and chose rest over a comeback, saying she’ll now enjoy “a life without alarm clocks.”
Tai’s exit marks the close of the “TTY era,” a reign that saw her hold the top ranking for a record 214 weeks and earn two Olympic silvers. Though she never clinched Olympic gold or a World Championship title, her artistry redefined women’s singles, inspiring millions. “My injuries forced me to leave the court. I couldn’t end my career the way I hoped,” she admitted, expressing peace with the decision while hoping her spirit lives on in the sport.
India’s PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist and Tai’s fiercest rival for over 15 years, shared a moving tribute on X. “You were the opponent who pushed me to my limits every single time,” Sindhu wrote, crediting Tai for two defining victories: the 2016 Rio Olympic silver (after a pre-quarter marathon) and 2019 World Championship gold (via Basel quarters). She smiled recalling Tai’s 2021 Asian Games semifinal revenge, adding: “I still remember that one with a smile.”
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Sindhu confessed the dread Tai instilled: “I won’t hide it—I hated playing you. Your wristwork, deception, calm brilliance made me dig deeper than I ever imagined.” Yet beyond rivalry grew deep respect and quiet friendship. “Facing you changed me as an athlete,” she said, thanking coach Park for intense prep. Tai’s retirement feels personal: “Watching you step away feels like losing a piece of my own journey. The sport will miss your magic, and so will I.”
As Sindhu’s generation fades, Tai’s legacy endures—elegance, resilience, and a standard few will match. From Tokyo silver to countless classics, their battles shaped badminton’s golden era. For now, Tai steps into calm; for Sindhu and fans, the court feels emptier without TTY’s spell.
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