Anahat Singh Shocks Gilis to Enter Canadian Open Semis

By Harshit - Oct 29, 2025 06:40 PM
Last updated on Oct 29, 2025 06:40 PM

In a stunning display of composure, agility and tactical maturity, 17-year-old Anahat Singh pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 PSA circuit by defeating defending champion Tinne Gilis in straight games to storm into the semifinals of the Canadian Open women’s squash event. What makes the win even more remarkable is the fact that this was Anahat’s first victory over a top-10 opponent, marking what could be a major turning point in her young career.

Ranked just 43 in the world, she took down the Belgian second seed 12-10, 11-9, 11-9 in just 36 minutes, showcasing not only skill but nerves of steel under pressure. Her dominance at a high-stakes event signals that she may be ready to transition from junior prodigy to serious contender on the senior circuit.

With the victory now behind her, the Indian teenager heads into the semifinal match against fourth seed Georgina Kennedy of Britain, ranked number 10 in the world. The upcoming clash sets the stage for what could become a breakout moment—one that may herald Anahat’s rise into the elite echelons of women’s squash.

Quarterfinal masterclass against Gilis

Anahat’s performance in the quarterfinal was a masterclass of precision, temperament and execution. She withstood the experience and firepower of Gilis—the defending champion and world number 7—by maintaining a high level throughout the 36-minute encounter. The scoreline, 12-10, 11-9, 11-9, may read close, but the control and aggression were entirely Anahat’s.

From the first game, where she edged past 11-10 to claim it 12-10, to the subsequent games where she didn’t allow Gilis to take momentum, every moment showed a young athlete in supreme confidence. Her movement was crisp, her length accurate, her mindset clear: she was here to win and not merely compete.

Post-match, Anahat admitted she didn’t expect to go this deep when the event began, but credited her training stint and hard work leading into the tournament. “I just came in with the mentality that I’m just coming in to play my best squash, and it paid off at the end,” she said.

A breakthrough first win over a top-10 opponent

This victory was more than just a win—it marked Anahat’s first triumph against a top-10 ranked player. For a young athlete still navigating her way through the senior circuit, this kind of landmark result carries both immediate impact and long-term implications. It serves not only as a confidence booster but also as a statement of arrival.

The contrast could not be sharper. Prior to this event, Anahat had struggled to find consistent form. In her words, she “wasn’t really playing too well the week before this event was coming up”. But a training stint with seasoned veteran Grégory Gaultier helped galvanise her preparation and mindset, enabling her breakout performance when it mattered most.

Preparing for the semifinal and beyond

With the semifinal against Georgina Kennedy looming, Anahat faces a familiar yet elevated challenge. Kennedy, ranked 10 and seeded fourth, represents the next barrier in Anahat’s compounding rise. Victory here would not just book a spot in the final—it would cement her status as a player to watch on the global stage.

The mental and physical nerves are different at this level. Anahat’s task will be to maintain the momentum and energy she brought to the quarterfinal, while adjusting to the tactical and psychological edge that her opponent carries. The young Indian will also seek to keep the aggression high, while adapting to longer rallies and more strategic patterns.

From junior success to senior promise

Anahat’s journey has been swift and promising. After dominating at junior levels, including success on the Asian circuit and junior worldwide events, her transition to the senior tour is now gaining traction. Wins of this magnitude are rare and signify that a new chapter may be beginning.

Her ranking of 43 in the world only underscores the point: she is still in the early phase of her professional career, and yet she defeated a player more than three times her ranking. For Indian women’s squash, this signals a shift—one where talent is not just emerging but beginning to deliver.

Skill set, style and what sets her apart

What has stood out about Anahat’s game is her composure under pressure, willingness to attack from the outset and the ability to adapt mid-match. Against Gilis, she showcased variety: she dictated rallies, changed pace, worked angles and remained active at the front of the court when needed.

Her fitness and movement—which are crucial in the modern game—look robust. Court coverage was excellent, which helped her handle Gilis’s attacks and counterpunch when needed. From quick length to volleys and deft touches, her shot-making had a maturity beyond her years.

Implications for Indian squash and global rankings

This victory has broader implications for Indian squash. With players like Anahat making significant breakthroughs, the depth and competitiveness of Indian women’s squash are rising. It adds to the narrative that India is producing world-class talent across sports, and at a younger age.

On the global front, Anahat’s win will likely result in a significant rise in her ranking, improved seeding and more favourable draws in subsequent tournaments. It also forces opponents to take her seriously, altering how she is viewed and how matches against her will be planned.

What lies ahead and the long game

Although the semifinal is the immediate focus, the long-term outlook for Anahat is equally compelling. With this breakthrough behind her, the challenge now is consistency—translating this level across events, handling the pressure of expectation and staying injury-free. For top athletes, one big win can open the door; staying in the room is the harder part.

If she wins her semifinal and perhaps the tournament, the next phase will be maintaining momentum at higher-level events, improving her ranking, and becoming a regular deep-stage competitor. The young athlete will now enter conversations not just as promising, but dangerous.

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