The Stoeva sisters are playing the long game.

After defeating Kavipriya Selvam/Simran Singhi 21-4 21-11 at VICTOR Denmark Open 2025, just their fifth HSBC BWF World Tour tournament of the year, Gabriela and Stefani revealed they are focused not just on their own success but on building something bigger – the future of Bulgarian badminton.

Post their quarterfinal exit at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the sisters decided to take an unconventional approach to 2025. Stefani began playing singles while Gabriela explored mixed doubles, both stepping back from their established partnership to nurture the next generation.

“It was a tough challenge to qualify and compete at Paris 2024. After the Olympics, we wanted to give each other a little break,” Stefani said.

The shift served a greater purpose.

“When we retire one day, we don’t want to leave without anyone behind us,” Stefani added. “We are trying to help the young ones improve their game because we cannot play forever. We travelled the path from juniors to reach the top level but we didn’t have anyone to practice with, so at least they have us.”

Balancing their commitments required careful planning.

“When our coach enters us into events, we try our best to combine playing lower level tournaments with higher level ones – we need to maintain our ranking because we will still play European events and World Championships, plus the Olympics,” Stefani noted.

The 30-year-old’s singles journey at Denmark Open came as a surprise even to her. As seventh reserve, she was skeptical about making the main draw but did so following Pornpawee Chochuwong’s withdrawal. She faces Korean Kim Ga Eun on Wednesday.

“I said to her, ‘You’ll make it. Relax, you are not going to meet any one of the top players’,” older sister Gabriela recalled with a smile.

The adjustment between disciplines presents unique challenges.

“It’s tough to combine both. When I play singles, I hit the doubles line and in doubles, it’s easier because the court is much bigger,” Stefani admitted. “But it’s helping me in doubles, because we play like a mixed pair. I need to cover her and play the shuttles.”

For now, their goals remain grounded and health-focused, “then we prepare for the new season”.

Meanwhile, Kirsty Gilmour had a memorable win, beating Paris 2024 bronze medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung for the first time in five attempts. The Scot came through 21-7 21-14 but felt bittersweet about the victory.

“I’m not entirely sure what her health troubles have been but I think she’s working her way back. I’m happy with some of the tactics I implemented although I don’t think it was the 100 per cent Gregoria we got today but I’m delighted I took advantage of that.”

→ Results (Day 1)

→ Order of Play (Day 2)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“My footwork was off and I couldn’t match Kirsty’s speed. There are lots of positives to take and I’m hoping to improve for the French Open next week.” – Tunjung

“The second game could have gone either way. He has a crazy good attack, so sharp and hard to defend against. I’m happy to win.” – Christo Popov survives scare against Lin Chun Yi

“I’ve made some changes to my style, I’m trying out new things. Some things work and some don’t. I’m always giving my best.” – An Se Young on adding shot variations to her game

“I’ve been coming to the Denmark Open since I was five and to walk onto the court felt amazing. I had my family and friends in the stadium. It was great to play the world champions but they’re just way too good.” – Odense native William Kryger Boe after losing 21-11 21-11 to Seo Seung Jae/Kim Won Ho in his last match with Christian Faust Kjaer