Malaysia Open: ‘In My Head, I’m Young’
Ratchanok Intanon has worked out a way to keep extracting top performances out of herself at her age.
· PREM KUMAR
The trick? It’s all in the head.
“As I get older, I’m choosing to believe I’m still young and can play like I did before. In my head right now, I’m 18,” the 29-year-old said with a smile after defeating Putri Kusuma Wardani to reach the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2025 semifinal – her first at a Super 1000 since June 2023.
“I go in thinking my fitness is better than my opponent’s and that I’m stronger. Previously, I didn’t necessarily have the right mentality but today I was ready for every shot. I had a plan and a target. Finally, I’m back in a Super 1000 semifinal.”