Fajar/Fikri Hope to Go All Out at Indonesia Open After Singapore Open Runner-Up Finish

Indonesian men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri narrowly missed out on the Singapore Open 2026 title, settling for runner-up after a hard-fought final against India's fourth seeds, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The match, held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday, saw Fajar/Fikri fall 21-18, 17-21, 19-21.

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We already played maximally but must admit the opponent played very well today. They were very confident and had very deadly attacks.

Fajar admitted that while they gave their all, the Indian pair played exceptionally well, displaying confidence and executing powerful, decisive attacks. He noted how the Indian duo effectively capitalized on opportunities when Fajar/Fikri were forced to lift the shuttlecock, creating openings for their own offensive plays. Fajar also congratulated Rankireddy and Shetty on their impressive semifinal victory over the world's top-ranked South Korean pair, Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae.

Fikri pointed to a shift in the Indian pair's tactics as a key factor in their defeat. He observed that the Indian team adopted a faster pace in their serves and initial returns during the second and third games, consistently applying pressure on the Indonesian side. "We always tried to break out of that pressure, but they were very solid," Fikri stated.

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We always tried to break out of that pressure, but they were very solid.

Despite the disappointment, Fajar/Fikri are quickly shifting their focus to the Indonesia Open 2026, which begins next week. Fajar emphasized their determination to perform at their peak in front of their home supporters at Istora Senayan. He also acknowledged the need for self-evaluation, particularly concerning their mental fortitude in critical final situations, having now lost five finals without securing a championship title. "We want to show our best there, in front of our own crowd, at Istora Senayan. We hope to go all out," Fajar said.

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We want to show our best there, in front of our own crowd, at Istora Senayan. We hope to go all out.