Ayush Shetty Shines Bright at US Open
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Ayush Shetty’s impressive 39-shot rally in the semi-final at the US Open showcased his burning desire to succeed on the big stage. Facing off against sixth seed Chou Tien Chen, a seasoned player, Ayush demonstrated his powerful jump smashes and improved front court retrieval skills throughout the match.
During an intense third game, the 20-year-old executed a brilliant drop shot from the back court. Chou, quick on his feet, managed to return it just in time. As Ayush neared the net, he attempted a cross-court shot to catch Chou off guard, but Chou answered back with a near-perfect passing shot. Not one to back down, Ayush managed to dive backward, returning the shot and securing an incredible point.
Over the past couple of years, Ayush has been making a name for himself in badminton, but his recent performance at the US Open truly put him in the spotlight. After a hard-fought victory against Chou in the semi-finals, he went on to defeat Canada’s Brian Yang in straight games during the final, claiming his first major title of 2025. This victory makes him the first Indian to win a title on the senior tour this year, marking a promising future for the young athlete.
The atmosphere in Iowa was electric, with enthusiastic Indian fans supporting him throughout the event. "This means a lot—it’s my first title on the senior circuit," Ayush expressed, brimming with happiness. "I played some excellent badminton here, and I’m eager for the Canada Open next week."
On social media, his tall build has drawn comparisons to Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, reflecting the excitement surrounding his potential.
Earlier this year has been a monumental one for the player from Mangalore. He reached the semi-finals of the Orleans Masters Super 300, impressively overcoming former world champion Loh Kean Yew and Rasmus Gemke. In May, he bested fellow Indian Kidambi Srikanth to reach the semi-finals of the Taipei Open.
Ayush’s badminton journey began at just eight years old, inspired by watching his father play in their backyard. His initial training came from local coaches in Karkala and Mangalore, but a family move to Bengaluru at the age of 12 allowed him access to better training opportunities. While balancing his education, badminton quickly became his main focus.
His breakthrough came in 2023 when he won bronze at the BWF World Junior Championships in Spokane, making him one of the few Indian male singles players to earn a medal at this prestigious event. Known for his powerful hitting and agile court coverage, Ayush has worked hard to improve his defensive skills, with significant progress noted while training at the renowned Prakash Padukone Academy in Bengaluru.
Despite his dedication to badminton, Ayush is also pursuing a BSc in Sports Science at Reva University in Bengaluru. As of June 2025, he ranks No. 31 in the world for men’s singles, making him the second-highest ranked Indian after Lakshya Sen. With this recent title in hand, fans and experts alike are excited to see what the future holds for Ayush Shetty in the world of badminton.
