The world’s number 1 men’s doubles mentality, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, deserves appreciation. In the two matches at the 2023 Malaysia Open, Fajar/Rian always stumbled at the start. However, they can rise from the “eye of the needle”.
In the round of 32, for example, Fajar/Rian lost the first game against Christo Popov/Toma Junior Popov with a score of 19-21. However, they were able to bounce back in the next two games and win 21-16, 21-15.
The same thing happened when Fajar/Rian appeared in the top 16 of the Malaysia Open 2023 at the Axiata Arena, Thursday (12/1/2023). They lost badly in the first game to Mark Lamsfuss/Marvin Seidel from Germany with a score of 8-21.
Again, mentally readiness speaking. They were able to get up and win the next two games 21-19, 21-16. “Earlier we played and never gave up and just kept trying. Even though we were behind, we kept trying,” Fajar explained to the PBSI Public Relations and Media Team.
“In the second game when we were left behind, we stayed focused and believed we could do it. The main thing is never give up and keep trying,” said Fajar. “We stay focused, chasing points one by one. Trying to make our game better,” said Rian.
The Risk of Being Number 1
Becoming the world’s number one men’s doubles certainly gets the main spotlight. Every Fajar/Rian’s strategy is always studied by other opponents. Fajar/Rian felt that when they faced Mark Lamsfuss/Marvin Seidel.
“The opponent has studied us. Starting from the service, opening, and our strategy tactics have been anticipated by the opponent. This is what makes the first game feel different. The numbers are far away,” said Fajar admitted. “The opponents were ready from the start. They had time to control our game,” continued his partner, Rian.
The mentality resulted a trophy for them. Fajar/Rian have the right to be on the podium to win the Malaysia Open 2023 after defeating non-seeded Chinese representatives, Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang. Competing at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur, Fajar/Rian won via rubber game with a final score of 21-18, 18-21, and 21-13. The 2023 Malaysia Open is also Fajar/Rian’s first title after holding the status of the world’s number one men’s doubles.
