Australian Open 2025: Shetty’s Rise, Satwik-Chirag’s Dominance, and Prannoy’s Struggles Shape the Quarterfinals

Ayush Shetty Steps Up: Quarterfinal Berth Secured

It’s November 2025, and the Australian Open badminton tournament has become a stage for emerging talent and hard-fought battles. Ayush Shetty, not yet a household name but quickly earning respect among the badminton elite, delivered a clinical performance against World No.9 Kodai Naraoka. Winning 21-17, 21-16 in just 68 minutes, Shetty showcased not only technical finesse but a calm under pressure that’s rarely seen in young athletes.

What sets Shetty’s victory apart is his ability to break away when it matters most. The opening game was tense—18-17, nerves stretched—but Shetty strung together three crucial points to close it out. In the second game, the score was locked at 14-all before Shetty surged ahead with a five-point run, decisively sealing the match. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement of intent, marking his second victory over Naraoka this calendar year, the first coming at the Hong Kong Open.

Now, Shetty’s journey continues in an all-Indian quarterfinal clash against Lakshya Sen. For fans, it’s more than just a match—it’s a look into the future of Indian badminton, with two rising stars set to test each other’s mettle.

Satwik-Chirag: Top Seeds Prove Their Class

In men’s doubles, the formidable pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lived up to their top-seed billing. Their match against Su Ching Heng and Wu Guan Xun was a masterclass in controlled aggression. The Indian duo took the first game 21-18, showing poise in tight rallies, but it was the second game that truly demonstrated their dominance. Opening up a substantial lead, Satwik and Chirag closed out 21-11, leaving little doubt about their form heading into the quarterfinals.

What makes their performance stand out is the synergy in their play. Their service game was sharp, and their attacking instincts kept their opponents on the defensive. Particularly in the second game, their net control and quick reflexes reduced unforced errors and kept the pressure relentless. Next up: a showdown with Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, the tournament’s fifth seeds. The challenge will be stiffer, but Satwik and Chirag’s current rhythm makes them favorites to advance.

HS Prannoy: Season of Struggles Continues

Not all stories from the Australian Open quarterfinals are about triumph. For HS Prannoy, 2025 has been a year of frustration. Despite a gritty comeback win over Yohanes Saut Marcellyno—dropping the first game 6-21 before rallying to take the next two—Prannoy couldn’t sustain his momentum. Facing Indonesia’s Farhan Alwi, Prannoy fell 19-21, 10-21, marking yet another early exit in a season that’s seen him unable to progress beyond the pre-quarterfinal stage in any tournament.

Prannoy’s campaign reflects the unpredictability of elite sport. Once a fixture in the latter rounds, he’s now searching for consistency amid mounting pressure and expectations. The technical skills remain, but the string of early exits has become a recurring theme, raising questions about his ability to rebound as the season progresses.

Pressure, Maturity, and the Road Ahead

Shetty’s composed win was defined by his ability to string together points at the most critical moments—a sign of increasing maturity. For Satwik and Chirag, their seamless teamwork and aggressive style are turning them into a formidable force on the world stage. On the other hand, Prannoy’s struggles serve as a reminder that success in badminton is never guaranteed; it’s a game of form, focus, and resilience.

As the quarterfinals approach, the spotlight shifts to potential all-Indian matchups, tactical showdowns, and the test of nerve that defines top-level competition. For fans and players alike, the Australian Open remains a crucible—where skill meets pressure, and new stars are forged.

Citation: India Today

Analysis: The Australian Open 2025 is as much about individual brilliance as it is about overcoming adversity. Ayush Shetty’s tactical discipline and Satwik-Chirag’s dominance highlight the promise of India’s next generation, while HS Prannoy’s continued struggles underscore the challenges veterans face in maintaining form. The tournament’s unpredictability keeps both athletes and fans invested, ensuring that every match carries the weight of possibility and hope.