Toronto, Canada - In a stunning upset at the Canadian Women's Open 2025, India's 17-year-old Anahat Singh defeated defending champion Tinne Gilis of Belgium to advance to the semifinals. The unseeded Singh displayed remarkable composure and skill, securing a straight-game victory against the World No. 7 with scores of 12-10, 11-9, 11-9 in just 36 minutes.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Anahat Singh's burgeoning career, representing her first-ever win against a top-10 ranked player. Her performance throughout the tournament has been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing her growing presence on the world stage.
Anahat's path to the semifinals included another impressive win against World No. 20 Melissa Alves of France in the Round of 16. This 3-1 victory (12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-2) was her first win over a top-20 opponent, signaling her potential to compete with the best in the sport.
Against Gilis, Anahat demonstrated tactical maturity and fearless shot-making. She remained composed from the start, matching Gilis' pace and variety. The first game was a closely contested affair, going into a tiebreak where Anahat's accuracy and quick reflexes gave her the edge. She clinched the game 12-10, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Anahat expressed her excitement in a post-match interview, stating that she was happy with her performance throughout the week. Her coaches had encouraged her, instilling the belief that she could compete against anyone if she maintained her level of play.
The Indian teenager has already been recognized as a promising talent in Indian squash. Reaching the semifinals of a Silver-level PSA World Tour event is a rare achievement for an Indian player, especially at her age.
In the semifinals, Anahat will face fourth-seeded Gina Kennedy of England. Kennedy defeated Canada's top player, Hollie Naughton, ending local hopes for a champion. The semi-final match is scheduled to take place at midnight IST on Wednesday.
