Gregoria Tunjung Shines at BWF World Championships 2025

Strong Start from Indonesia’s Top Women’s Singles Player

Indonesian badminton star Gregoria Mariska Tunjung made a convincing start at the BWF World Championships 2025 in Paris, France. Playing her opening match in the women’s singles category, Gregoria easily overcame Czech shuttler Petra Maixnerova in straight games, 21-10, 21-9, to book her ticket to the Last 32, as reported by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

The victory marked a positive step for Indonesia’s women’s singles campaign, a sector that has long been overshadowed by the dominance of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean players. With her confident performance in the opening round, Gregoria has once again shown her potential to compete at the highest level.

Match Recap: A Comfortable Win

From the very beginning of the match, Gregoria dictated the rallies with sharp smashes and precise net play. Petra Maixnerova struggled to find rhythm as Gregoria maintained high tempo and minimized errors.

The first game saw Gregoria quickly race to a comfortable lead, capitalizing on her opponent’s unforced errors. She sealed the opening game 21-10 in just 15 minutes. The second game was even more dominant as Gregoria’s control forced Petra into a defensive position throughout. With accurate placement and patience in rallies, the Indonesian sealed the match 21-9.

“Starting a world championship is never easy, but I tried to stay focused and play my strategy. I’m happy with today’s performance and I hope to keep improving,” Gregoria told BWF media.

Next Challenge: Julie Dawall Jakobsen

In the next round, Gregoria will face Julie Dawall Jakobsen of Denmark, a tricky opponent who is known for her fighting spirit and solid defense. Jakobsen advanced after defeating her first-round rival in straight games as well.

The upcoming match is expected to be more challenging for Gregoria. Jakobsen’s defensive style and ability to extend rallies could test Gregoria’s patience. However, the Indonesian shuttler is determined to keep her focus.

“Every opponent in the World Championships is tough, so I need to prepare well. I know Julie is strong, but I will fight to give my best,” said Gregoria in her interview with BWF.

Indonesia’s Hopes in Women’s Singles

Gregoria currently carries Indonesia’s biggest hope in women’s singles. After years of struggling to produce world-class players in this category, her steady rise has been a breath of fresh air. In 2023, she won her first World Tour title at the Spain Masters, proving she can stand tall among the world’s elite (Kompas).

At the BWF World Championships 2024 in Copenhagen, Gregoria reached the quarterfinals, a result that boosted her confidence heading into this year’s tournament. With her current form and mental growth, many Indonesian fans are hopeful she can at least equal, if not surpass, last year’s achievement.

Rivals to Watch in the Draw

If Gregoria clears her second-round hurdle, she could potentially face tougher opponents like Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, China’s Chen Yufei, or Korea’s An Se Young, all of whom are considered title favorites. These players have consistently dominated the women’s singles scene in recent years.

Nevertheless, Gregoria’s progress in recent tournaments, including her improved fitness and tactical play, suggest she is ready to challenge the best. Analysts have highlighted her ability to stay composed under pressure as a key factor in her development (Bolasport).

The Bigger Picture for Indonesian Badminton

Indonesia remains a powerhouse in men’s singles and doubles events, but the nation has long sought a breakthrough in women’s singles. The last Indonesian woman to shine globally was Susy Susanti, who won Olympic gold in 1992 and was crowned World Champion in 1993.

Gregoria’s rise represents a new era. Though the road is tough, her presence in the latter stages of major tournaments sends a strong message: Indonesia is ready to return to the women’s singles elite.

Fans and Media Reactions

Gregoria’s win was widely celebrated by Indonesian fans on social media, with many praising her composure and dominant style. Several analysts noted that her quick victory allows her to conserve energy for tougher battles ahead.

Sports outlets such as the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Kompas, and Bolasport highlighted her smooth start and the potential for deeper runs in the tournament.

A Promising Path Ahead

Gregoria Mariska Tunjung’s journey at the BWF World Championships 2025 has started on the right foot. With her commanding win over Petra Maixnerova, she now faces a bigger test against Julie Dawall Jakobsen.

While her path is challenging, Gregoria has proven she belongs among the world’s best. For Indonesia, her success would not only mean personal glory but also a revival of women’s singles badminton on the global stage.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Gregoria to see how far she can go in Paris.