You just have to appreciate HS Prannoy for his indomitable spirit. The 30-year-old from Kerala does not know when to give up. The player with probably the best backhand in the business and also the hardest hitter today exudes high confidence when he walks into the court. There is a sense of purpose about him.

His specialty in thegame is that he fights tooth and nail, chasing the bird as if there is no tomorrow. He comes with set plan in his mind and then just follows his instincts. His outstanding victory in the Thomas cup last year, especially against Rasmus Gentle of Denmark is unforgettable. Despite a troublesome and sprained right ankle, he carved out a memorable victory by just sticking to the plan of keeping the rally going and repeatedly hitting steep half smashes that kissed the lines. There is no doubting his genius.

He probably is the only player in the world who has defeated legends like Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei and Victor Axelsen, twice each.

But though he had had great victories, podium finish always avoided his presence. Beset by injuries all through his career, he made regular quarter-finals appearances and some semifinals too but no finals slot. He has been always the bridesmaid and never the bride.

The players like Parupalli Kashyap, Kidambi Srikant, B Sai praneeth, Gurusai Dutt, the Verma brothers (Sourabh and Sameer) eclipse him and time and again. Even the new kid on the block, Lakshya Sen has received more mileage than him. Prannay has remained the unsung hero of Indian badminton for a long time.

But he was patient and he persevered in his own way, always knocking the door with the hope that someday fortune will open. 

He had won the only title in his kitty, the US open, in 2017. Even he thought of quitting badminton for not winning a title weighed on his mind. But his parents talked him out of such thoughts. Prannoy is all praise for coaches Gopichand and Guru Sai dutt, especially chief national coach Gopichand, who always counselled him to be patient. It will happen one day Gopi used to sày. It has been a roller coaster ride for him.

 So after winning this title he turned away from the cameras and covered his face.

“Yes the tears were there. But of relief," Prannoy told the BWF.

But now he has arrived in style and he will be taken much more seriously for his comprehensive play and control of the bird. Let us see how he played in this memorable week, before we review other Indian singles players at the tournament.