As Malaysia prepares to launch their Sudirman Cup 2025 campaign, singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen has signaled the possibility of deploying a strong and experienced line-up in their opening Group C clash against France. Although France enters the tie with a depleted squad, Jonassen insists that Malaysia must approach the match with complete focus and avoid any form of complacency.
Thе group stage оf this рrеѕtіgіоuѕ mixed team tоurnаmеnt, hеld іn Xіаmеn, Chіnа, sees Malaysia drаwn аlоngѕіdе fоrmіdаblе opponents Jараn аnd Australia. Gіvеn the ѕtruсturе оf thе tournament, only thе top two teams іn еасh grоuр аdvаnсе to the ԛuаrtеrfіnаlѕ. Thеrеfоrе, Mаlауѕіа саnnоt afford to take аnу орроnеnt lіghtlу—еѕресіаllу not іn thеіr ореnіng encounter.
“Starting strong is not just important—it’s essential,” Jonassen said ahead of the tie. “It’s about setting the right tone for the rest of the tournament. But at the same time, we must not underestimate France. Rankings and reputations often go out the window in team competitions. Players sometimes rise to the occasion in surprising ways.”
Indeed, France will be missing several of their top players, including world No. 10 Alex Lanier and world No. 20 Toma Junior Popov in the men’s singles category, as well as their star mixed doubles pair Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue, who are ranked No. 11 in the world. However, Jonassen believes that their absence should not shift the team’s mindset.
“Even without their biggest names, France can still present a challenge. They enjoy being the underdogs. That can be dangerous if we lose focus,” he explained. “Every match in a team event brings its own intensity. The players feed off each other’s energy, and sometimes it brings out performances beyond individual expectations.”
No Toying With The Underdogs
When asked about the potential line-up for the match against France, Jonassen declined to reveal specific names, opting instead to emphasize strategic flexibility.
“We have several strong players available across all categories,” he said. “We will select a team we believe can secure the result, but we’re not going to show our hand too early. Our aim is to start with momentum and build confidence as the tournament progresses.”
Jonassen’s caution is understandable, especially given the depth of the squad he has at his disposal. In the men’s singles, Malaysia can choose between world No. 26 Leong Jun Hao—who has been performing consistently at the international level—and the fast-rising world No. 46 Justin Hoh.
For the women’s singles position, Jonassen can count on the experience of world No. 43 Goh Jin Wei or give an opportunity to world No. 52 K. Letshanaa, both of whom have proven their mettle in team events.
Mаlауѕіа’ѕ ѕtrеngth in doubles is a mаjоr аѕѕеt. In thе mеn’ѕ dоublеѕ саtеgоrу, the coaching tеаm, led bу Herry Iman Pierngadi, іѕ ѕроіlеd fоr сhоісе wіth wоrld No. 2 раіr Gоh Szе Fei–Nur Izzuddіn Rumsani, rеіgnіng Asian сhаmріоnѕ Aаrоn Chіа–Sоh Wооі Yіk (wоrld Nо. 4), and wоrld No. 7 Man Wei Chоng–Tее Kаі Wun all available.
Mіxеd dоublеѕ head соасh Nоvа Widianto also fасеѕ a рlеаѕаnt dіlеmmа. He could choose from the seasoned pair of Goh Soon Huat–Shevon Lai Jemie (world No. 3), the recently reunited Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei (world No. 4), or the rising duo Hoo Pang Ron–Cheng Su Yin (world No. 14).
Positive Result for Malaysia
In women’s doubles, Malaysia’s top-ranked pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, currently world No. 5, are the clear favorites to lead the charge. However, rising pair Go Pei Kee and Carmen Ting also offer depth to the squad.
“Each match counts, but the first one sets the momentum,” Jonassen reiterated. “Winning against France would give us the upper hand heading into the tougher matches, particularly against Japan. We have to take this seriously and execute our strategies with discipline.”
With Japan looming as the toughest opponent in the group and only two teams guaranteed progression to the quarterfinals, Malaysia is under pressure to make a strong statement in their first match. A convincing win against France would not only place them on firm footing for advancement but also boost morale and confidence across the squad.
Jonassen concluded by saying he’s eager to see how the team performs on opening day. “We’ve prepared well, and I believe the players are ready to rise to the challenge. Now it’s about putting all that work into action and starting the tournament with intent.”
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