An Se-young sets unmatched badminton record, eyes 95% win rate in historic season

An Se-young celebrates after winning the women's singles final against Wang Zhi Yi of China (not seen) at the Denmark Open badminton tournament in Odense, Denmark, Oct. 19. EPA-Yonhap

An Se-young is carving her name into sports history as one of the world’s longest reigning No. 1 badminton players, maintaining a stranglehold on the women’s singles ranking for 55 consecutive weeks. While she has not yet surpassed the all-time record set by Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan, An’s dominance throughout this year has left traditional badminton powerhouses China and Taiwan in awe.

Her supremacy is underscored by extraordinary statistics: An has clinched nine major singles titles in 2025 alone, including triumphs at the Malaysia Open, India Open, Orleans Masters, All England Open, Indonesia Open, Japan Open, China Masters, Denmark Open and French Open. Her victory at the French Open, along with its $66,500 prize, pushed her total season earnings past 1 billion won — a first for any Korean badminton star — while her career prize money now exceeds $2.2 million.

An boasts a season record of 63 wins and just four losses, driving her win rate up to 90 percent — outperforming even her impressive earlier records. Chinese sports media and fans have lavished praise on her, with NetEase suggesting, "An Se-young’s skills are so exceptional she could stay world No. 1 for 150 to 200 weeks," while Sina Sports described her as "one of the most complete players in badminton history," noting that "there’s simply no viable strategy to defeat her."

The publication added: "It’s now an atmosphere of 'There’s no shame in losing to the GOAT,'" referring to her rise as a “Greatest of All Time” figure in the sport.

An Se Young is in action in the women's singles final against Wang Zhi Yi, China (not seen) at the Denmark Open badminton tournament in Odense, Denmark, Oct. 19. EPA-Yonhap

Media from Taiwan have also highlighted her impact, spotlighting her 42-minute demolition of Wang Zhiyi for a fifth Super 750 trophy — a rare “career Grand Slam” and another milestone in the GOAT debate. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) echoed this respect, calling An "badminton’s most dominant force" after her latest triumph.

Her supremacy comes after a series of domestic hurdles, notably in her interactions with the Korean Badminton Federation (BKA) and the realities of Korea’s sports infrastructure.

Her supremacy abroad is made all the more remarkable by the obstacles she has overcome at home. After securing Olympic gold in Paris, An spoke out about the outdated management and inadequate injury care from the Korean Badminton Federation, as well as strict rules that stifle athlete independence and sponsorship opportunities.

She criticized inflexible equipment regulations and restricted access to private trainers, while also pointing to Korean badminton’s limited investment and underdeveloped elite training systems — a stark contrast to other top badminton nations.

With just two tournaments left in 2025, An is on the verge of further record-breaking achievements. Should she win both, she would end the season at an astonishing 73 wins and just four losses, approaching a staggering 94.8 percent win rate — further solidifying her place as one of the sport’s modern legends.