Indonesian badminton performance this year has fallen far short of expectations. In fact, the team suffered failures in each tournament throughout 2025’s first quarter. However, this time, Indonesia can regain its smile through Jonatan Christie.
How Christie started the year
The world number 6 men’s singles player started the year with a sub-par performance at the 2025 Malaysia Open. He was eliminated in the round of 32 after losing to French’s Toma Junior Popov. Christie was defeated in three sets thriller 8-21, 21-14, 24-26.
In the next tournaments, Christie continued to adjust his true form. He reaching the top three at the 2025 India Open and runner-up at the 2025 Daihatsu Indonesia Masters. Meanwhile, Christie also experienced early exits at the All England, Singapore Open, and Indonesia Open.
”In the early stages of 2025, Jonatan Christie arguably had not yet reached his consistent form. Many people also mentioned that his performance was not the same as when he was still on the national team”
Gained his confidence back
Jonatan Christie finally silenced his critics by winning the 2025 Korea Open. Competed as the fourth seed, Christie started the tournament well, beating Ng Ka Long Angus and Lee Chia Hao. Both of them finished by the 28-year-old in just two straight sets.
In the semifinals, he was challenged by his fellow countrymen, Alwi Farhan. He succesfully secured his spot in the finals, defeating Alwi in a nail-biting three-set. Christie made his return to the title match after a disappointing run of results in previous tournaments.
”In the final match, Christie defeated Anders Antonsen, who was the top seed in this Korea Open. His victory in this Super 500 event finally helped him restore his confidence.”
Back-to-back victories
Korea Open 2025 was the turning point for Christie. After this tournament, he headed for Europe to participate in a series of tournaments held there. Afterward, the 2025 Denmark Open is the next one waiting for the world number 6.
In this tournament, Christie must compete against real threats such as World Champion Shi Yu Qi and Olympic Champion Viktor Axelsen. Both are top seeds in the Super 750 event that held from October 14-19 at the Jyske Bank Arena.
Despite not being a favorite, Christie made his way deep into the tournament. He defeated big names such as Kenta Nishimoto, Kodai Naraoka, and Li Shi Feng in quarter finals. Furthermore, Christie was also able to defeat French top seed Alex Lanier on his way to the final.
Jonatan Christie went toe-to-toe with world champion Shi Yu Qi in the final match. However, the 28-year-old managed to overcome him to become the 2025 Denmark Open champion. His impressive stamina able to defeat Shi Yu Qi in three sets.
”This victory is Christie’s second consecutive win after the 2025 Korea Open. Now, the Indonesian world number 6 is at the peak of his performance and mentality again, as everyone had missed.”