Indian badminton is on the cusp of a new era in women’s doubles, and at the forefront are Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. In the second week of January 2025, the young Indian pair achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 9, a testament to their steady rise on the international circuit. With their unique blend of aggression and composure, Treesa and Gayatri are quickly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with and reviving India’s hopes in a category that has often been overshadowed by the country’s singles stars.
A Perfect Partnership
What sets Treesa and Gayatri apart are their complementary playing styles. Treesa, known for her raw aggression and fearless approach, thrives on attacking badminton. Her powerful smashes and sharp net play keep opponents under constant pressure. On the other hand, Gayatri brings a calming influence to the partnership, anchoring their game with her precise placement and solid defensive skills. Her ability to read the game and adapt to challenging situations provides the perfect counterbalance to Treesa’s firepower.
This synergy was on full display at the BWF World Tour Finals in December 2024. Despite being up against the world’s best, they managed to push the No. 1 Chinese duo, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, to three gruelling sets in their opening match. Treesa’s relentless aggression, coupled with Gayatri’s tactical acumen, allowed them to achieve a hard-fought victory against the world No. 6 Malaysian pair, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, marking only their second win in eight encounters against that pairing.
Their recent success is a result of countless hours of hard work and their growing understanding on the court. While Treesa provides the spark, Gayatri ensures that their game remains consistent and grounded, making them one of the most balanced pairs on the circuit.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
For Gayatri, badminton runs in the blood. The daughter of Pullela Gopichand, former All England champion and national coach, Gayatri has grown up immersed in the sport’s culture. Her calm demeanour and disciplined approach to the game reflect her upbringing and years of training under her father’s watchful eye. Treesa, on the other hand, brings an unyielding determination that is born out of her own journey through the ranks. Hailing from Kerala, she has made a name for herself with her fearless approach and never-say-die attitude.
Together, they represent a new generation of Indian badminton players who are not just content with participating but are determined to challenge and beat the best in the world. Their recent rise up the rankings reflects their consistent performances, including their Round-of-16 appearance at the Malaysia Open 2025, where they pushed China’s Zhang Shuxian and Jia Yifan to three closely contested sets.
Reviving India’s Doubles Dreams
India has long waited for a women’s doubles pair to emulate the success of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa, who were trailblazers in their time. Treesa and Gayatri have shown the potential to step into that role, not just with their performances but their mindset. They have proved that they are not intimidated by higher-ranked opponents and have the skillset to take on the best in the world.
What makes this pair particularly exciting is their ability to learn and adapt. Both players are young, with their best years still ahead of them, and their steady improvement over the past 12 months is a clear indicator that they are on the right track. Their journey so far has been inspiring, but it’s their future that holds the most promise.
As Treesa and Gayatri continue to climb the ranks, they are carrying the weight of India’s hopes in women’s doubles. Their recent entry into the world’s top 10 is not just a milestone for them but a moment of pride for Indian badminton. With their combination of skill, determination, and complementary styles, they are well-positioned to become the face of women’s doubles badminton in India.
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