Yuta Watanabe’s comeback with new partner ends at Japan Open 2025

Making their new debut at Japan Open 2025, mixed doubles pair Yuta Watanabe/Hina Osawa faced a bitter setback after elimination in the first round on Tuesday (15/7) at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

The three-time All England champion with his former partner — encountered a tough challenge from fellow Japanese representatives, Hiroki Midorikawa/Natsu Saito. Despite an impressive start with an 11-2 lead early in the match, Watanabe/Osawa failed to maintain momentum.

In the opening game, the new partnership lost control at crucial moments — forcing them to surrender with a narrow score of 19-21. Entering the second game, Watanabe/Osawa struggled increasingly against Midorikawa/Saito’s gameplay, who previously eliminated Jafar Hidayatullah/Felisha Alberta in the Asian Championships semifinals.