FukuMatsu: Running Towards New Challenges

Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto have reignited their careers by forming a new partnership and committing to a year together. By winning the Malaysia Open S1000 they have shown that they are ready to face the best in the world.

Yuki and Mayu first teamed up at the 2020 Uber Cup – a scratch pairing born from the absence of their regular partners. Initially seen as a stopgap the duo showed promise but the relationship was put on ice after the tournament. Fast forward to the end of 2024 and the partnership was given another chance to blossom.

Yuki at 31 years old could have chosen an honourable wind-down to retirement after a series of setbacks including the heartbreaking injury to her partner at the Tokyo Olympics and the missed qualification for Paris 2024. Instead, she found a new spark by linking up with Akira Koga in mixed doubles and collected wins that reinvigorated her confidence. Then came the retirement of Mayu’s long-term partner Wakana Nagahara, prompting Mayu to leave her domestic team and join up with Yuki at Honegori Sagamihara.

Now, the pair has pledged to spend a year competing together; aiming to play with freedom and avoid the pressure of high expectations. It’s a smart approach that allows them to embrace their potential without the burden of perfection.

Their chemistry on court is undeniable; their smiles are uplifting. Yuki can be a good defensive anchor; calmly absorbing pressure and setting up attacks. Mayu has a sharp, hard smash and a good reach so the rotation between them doesn’t expose weakness but I prefer her around the front court. She has courage and good spatial sense. Her cross court play and audacious shots can turn a rally’s momentum around. There are still errors of communication between them but the base level of two former world #1 is so high they should be able to overcome glitches.

FukuMatsu have arrived. Who knows how far this journey will take them? The Malaysia Open victory was just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling partnership.

If you enjoyed this then take a look at my piece about FukuHiro at the Tokyo Olympics here https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2021/08/27/yuki-and-sayaka-at-the-olympics/

My friend – Rene Biaoli often writes about Malaysian badminton and you can find his website here https://badmintoniacs.wordpress.com/2025/01/07/hello-axiata-arena/

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Amanda Bloss All Rights Reserved