Named by Chinese State Media Twice in 37 Days! 22-Year-Old Tomokazu Harimoto Struggles: 5 Consecutive Tournaments Without a Title, World No.1 Dream Fades

In December 2025, Tomokazu Harimoto won the men’s singles at the year-end Grand Finals, confidently declaring his goal to become world No.1 and win more titles in 2026. However, since the start of the year, he has gone five tournaments without a title, putting his top-ranking aspirations in jeopardy.

At the Doha Champions tournament, Harimoto lost 3-4 to Lin Yun-Ju in the semifinals. He then suffered a shocking 1/8 finals loss to China’s Xue Fei at the Doha Star Challenge. Back in Japan for the All-Japan Championships, he attempted to avenge a previous loss to Matsushima Hiku, but was eliminated again. In the Asian Cup men’s singles final in February, he fell 2-4 to long-time rival Wang Chuqin, marking three consecutive tournaments without a title. Most recently, at the Singapore Grand Slam 1/8 finals, Harimoto lost for the first time to 33-year-old Fransiska, experiencing a career-first humiliating defeat.

After five straight tournaments without a win, Harimoto appeared visibly frustrated and quickly left the court. The dream of reaching world No.1 remains a long road ahead.

Moreover, Harimoto has been publicly criticized by Chinese state media twice this year. On January 2, Study Times condemned his visit to the Toshogu Shrine as containing “militaristic elements,” and on February 8, China Military Online again publicly criticized him, drawing widespread attention.