Shida and Matsuyama avenge 2024 defeat with second All England women’s doubles win
Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama won a three-set epic to earn their second YONEX All England women’s doubles title, as they defeated Japanese teammates Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto 21-16 14-21 21-17.
In a match played with fun at the heart of it, both pairs fought hard to claim their second crown.
But at the end of an incredible battle, it was Shida and Matsuyama who triumphed to avenge last year’s defeat in the showpiece.
In the first-ever meeting between the two Japanese pairs, there was little to separate them in the opening exchanges.
However, two runs of three consecutive points moved Matsuyama and Shida into the lead and within four of taking the first game.
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A small fightback from Matsumoto and Fukushima gave them brief hope before their compatriots pushed on to move ahead.
While the opening final of the day saw seemingly never-ending rallies, it was Matsuyama and Shida’s ability to stop their opponents dead in their tracks with one move that was so devastating.
But the sixth seeds could play at that game too, with Matsumoto’s deft shots that dropped just over the net bringing them joy in the second game.
The match was finely poised with Fukushima and Matsumoto leading the second 16-12 before the two pairs combined for a rally that made time stand still.
Eventually, it was an error from Fukushima and Matsumoto that saw their opponents take the point.
Five points and as many minutes later, the roles were reversed as Fukushima and Matsumoto inched closer to forcing a decider.
They did so simply, with Shida unable to return Matsumoto’s serve to ensure this epic Japanese battle had a fitting end.
In the third game, the teamwork in Shida and Matusyama’s long-standing partnership came to the fore, with the former haring about the court before Matsuyama delivered the final blow.
From there, the 2022 champions opened up a small gap that stood at four points at the interval.
The gap was quickly shut by Matsumoto and Fukushima – the battle was not yet over.
Their opponents drawing level was the ammunition Shida and Matsuyama needed as they scored five straight points to put them on the precipice.
Patience had been key throughout the match and with 83 minutes on the clock, the pair brought up match point and then a hard-earned and well-deserved victory.
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And Matsuyama explained how remaining composed in the high-pressure moments helped them through.
“We tried to keep ourselves calm and composed in the final game and towards the end,” she said. “That was intended and we discussed how to do so.
“Our opponents were ready to do long rallies and we were really happy that we were able to keep scoring until the end. That is a result of our determination.”
With both sets of players from Japan, the noise never stopped from the crowd.
And it was the warmth and encouragement that Shida took the time to recognise.
She said: “I really love the atmosphere of the All England. I would love to play as many matches as possible here. We are so delighted we were able to win in such a special venue.
“The fans always welcome us and give us very warm support when we enter the court and also when we won the tournament.
“They welcome us with big smiles and positivity and as a result we were able to win. I’m very grateful and we thank them so much.”
Despite defeat, Matsumoto was pleased to have shown the strength of women’s doubles in Japan on the biggest stage.
She said: “First of all, I am so delighted that we were able to be on the final stage today.
“And I believe that we were able to portray the symbols of women’s doubles of Japan, so I am so glad that we were able to do so and we would like to improve ourselves and level up and then come back again.”
