Defending world champion PV Sindhu started her campaign at the Tokyo Olympics with an easy win over Israel's Ksenia Polikarpova in a women's singles Group J match in Tokyo on Sunday.
The 26-year-old, seeded sixth, defeated 58th-ranked Polikarpova 21-7, 21-10 in just half an hour. The world number 7 Indian will now take on Hong Kong's world number 34 Cheung Ngan Yi in the group stage.
"Even though it was an easy first match, I didn't take it easy. It wasn't that I wasn't ready. Every time, it's very important to focus and be ready for every single point. Sindhu said after the match.
"It was a very easy match but I made sure we had a few rallies and I got used to the court," he said.
Sindhu realized that there are more expectations from her in this Olympics, she said, "A lot has changed mentally, physically and in terms of experience. Coming to (Tokyo) 2020 is completely different, there was no hope then."
“I know I have worked hard and given my whole heart over the years and I think it is time to show it. I am working on my aggression and my technique and you are definitely a different Sindhu. will see."
Rio Games silver medalist Sindhu started off aggressively but found herself trailing 3-4 for some time. However, she moved quickly due to Polikarpova's unforced errors and entered the break to lead 11-5.
Soon, Sindhu was on a roll to score 13 consecutive points. The Indian used his trademark straight and crosscourt smashes and drops to harass the Israeli, who could not make use of the few opportunities that came his way.
Sindhu turned the first game in her favor when Polikarpova missed a shot.
Polikarpova, who was playing on her knee, struggled with her stroke as Sindhu took a 9-3 lead in the second game and then took an 11-4 lead in the middle interval.
It was business as usual after the break, with Sindhu riding on her opponent's errors.
Another wide shot from Polikarpova gave Sindhu 13 match points. The Indian lost three of them before Polikarpova once again sent the shuttle out to end the match.
Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty surprised Chinese Taipei's Yang Li and Chi-Lin Wang world No 3 pair of Chinese Taipei in a thrilling Group A match on Saturday. The Indians came down 17-14 in the deciding match to win the match 21-16, 16-21, 27-25.
However, B Sai Praneeth jeopardized his chances of qualifying for the knockout stage after losing 21-17, 21-15 to world number 47 Misha Zilberman of Israel in a men's singles Group D match.