India’s 6′4″ Badminton Phenom Wins US Open 2025
Twenty-year-old Ayush Shetty, towering at 6′4″, has emerged as a breakthrough star for India, clinching his first-ever senior BWF World Tour title at the 2025 US Open Super 300 in Iowa. In a commanding straight-games victory (21–18, 21–13) over Canada’s Brian Yang, Shetty not only ended India’s 2025 title drought but also showcased a blend of power, finesse, and tactical mind that belies his age.
Before dispatching Yang, Shetty earned attention with a stunning semi-final upset over world No. 6 Chou Tien‑Chen. The 39-shot rally and his precise front-court defense marked a turning point in his gameplay—revealing a player now comfortable with both brute force and subtle strategy.
A product of Karkala, Karnataka, Shetty began his journey in badminton under his father’s guidance at age eight. His family moved to Bengaluru when he was 12, enabling access to elite coaching at the Prakash Padukone Academy. That training hub—with coach U. Vimal Kumar—has helped transform him from a junior world bronze medallist (2023) into a rising force on the senior tour.
This year has been a steady ascent for Shetty. After reaching back-to-back semi-finals at Orleans and Taipei Super 300 events, this US Open win cements his position in the upper echelons of men’s singles badminton, advancing to a career-high ranking within the top 30.
His game draws comparisons to Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen—not just for height and physique but also for his booming jump-smashes and court coverage. But it’s his composed mentality, especially when nursing a minor knee issue mid-match, that hints at the champion-in-the-making.
What This Win Means
- National milestone: First Indian to bag a senior World Tour title in 2025, lifting a long-awaited spirits of fans.
- Global presence: With wins over top players and a strong physical presence, Shetty might soon challenge established luminaries like Chou and Yang.
- Rising journey: Now ranked around world No. 31, he’s projected to crack top 20 before the end of the year, positioning himself for major event selections.
- Inspiring the next gen: His story—from Mangalore backyard to world stage—resonates with aspiring players across small towns in India.
