Treesa Jolly & Gayatri Gopichand : Indian badminton has a new reason to celebrate. The dynamic pairing of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand has soared to World No. 9 in the latest BWF (Badminton World Federation) rankings, making them the highest-ranked Indian women’s doubles team in history. This remarkable achievement breaks the long standing record set by Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta, who reached World No. 10 in 2015.
Table of Contents
Treesa Jolly & Gayatri Gopichand: Breaking Records as India’s Highest Ranked Women’s Doubles Duo in BWF History
A Historic Climb to World No. 9
On January 14, 2025, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand etched their names in Indian badminton history. Their career best ranking of World No. 9 is the culmination of consistent performances on the global stage. Despite a Round of 16 exit at the Malaysia Open, their earlier victories and steady accumulation of ranking points catapulted them into the top 10.
This milestone is especially significant in the context of Indian women’s doubles, a category where India has traditionally struggled to make a global impact. Treesa and Gayatri’s achievement marks a turning point, showcasing the growing strength of Indian women in doubles badminton.
Journey to the Top: Key Milestones
Steady Progress in 2024
The duo ended 2024 with a career high ranking of World No. 11, thanks to stellar performances, including:
- Syed Modi India International Title: A decisive win that set the tone for their rise.
- Impressive Runs at the Macau and Canada Opens: These tournaments helped them rack up crucial ranking points.
While they narrowly missed out on Paris Olympics qualification, they used this setback as motivation to refine their game and return stronger.
Malaysia Open 2025
At the Super 1000 Malaysia Open, Treesa and Gayatri started strong with a win against Thailand’s Ornnicha Jongsathapornparn and Sukitta Suwachai. Although they lost a hard-fought battle to China’s Zhang Shuxian and Jia Yifan in the Round of 16, the points earned were enough to achieve their historic World No. 9 ranking.
The Duo’s Strengths: Complementary Styles and Determination
The synergy between Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand is what sets them apart.
- Gayatri Gopichand: As the daughter of legendary All England Champion Pullela Gopichand, Gayatri brings a calm and strategic approach to the game. Years of training under her father’s guidance have molded her into a disciplined and reliable player.
- Treesa Jolly: Hailing from Kerala, Treesa is known for her fearless style and aggressive play. Her unyielding determination adds a dynamic edge to the partnership.
Together, they balance each other perfectly, creating a formidable presence on the court.
Surpassing Legends: Breaking the Ashwini – Jwala Record
Treesa and Gayatri’s World No. 9 ranking surpasses the iconic duo of Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta, who reached World No. 10 in 2015. Ashwini and Jwala were trailblazers for Indian women’s doubles, and their achievements inspired a new generation of players, including Treesa and Gayatri.
By breaking this record, Treesa and Gayatri have not only honored their predecessors but also established themselves as the future of Indian women’s doubles badminton.
What’s Next: India Open 2025
Fresh off their historic ranking, Treesa and Gayatri are gearing up for the India Open 2025, where they’ll face Japan’s Ayako Sakuramoto and Arisa Higashino in the opening round. With their newfound confidence and motivation, they’ll be looking to make a deep run in the tournament and continue their upward trajectory in the rankings.
A Bright Future for Indian Badminton
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand’s rise to World No. 9 is a testament to their hard work, skill, and determination. Their achievement highlights the growing prominence of Indian women’s doubles on the global stage and serves as an inspiration for aspiring players.
As they prepare for future challenges, including the India Open 2025 and beyond, Treesa and Gayatri are not just breaking records, they’re paving the way for the next era of Indian badminton.
FAQs
What is Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand’s current world ranking?
They are ranked World No. 9 in the BWF women’s doubles rankings, the highest ever for an Indian women’s doubles pair
Whose record did they break to become the highest ranked Indian duo?
They broke the record of Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta, who were ranked World No. 10 in 2015