Ayush Shetty produced one of the finest performances of his young career stunning World No.9 Kodai Naraoka at the Australian Open 2025. The 20-year-old registered a 21–17, 21–16 straight sets victory over his Japanese rival to to storm into the quarterfinals.
Right from the outset, Shetty matched seized control. He was strategically aware negotiating Naraoka shot-by-shot.
The second game was filled with drama as Naraoka attempted to slow the tempo through extended intervals and deliberate pauses between points. His efforts to disrupt Shetty’s rhythm were clear, but the Indian refused to be rattled. Calm and focused, Shetty stuck to his game plan, maintaining intensity without rushing his shots.
Naraoka attempted a comeback midway through the game but could not get the better of the Indian. The 21–16 scoreline reflected both his composure and his improved physical conditioning.
A Breakthrough Year Continues for Ayush Shetty
This win marks Shetty’s sixth quarterfinal appearance of the 2025 season, underscoring his growing consistency across tournaments. Earlier in the week, he eased past Canada’s Sam Yuan 21–11, 21–15, hinting at the sharp rhythm he carried into the high-stakes Round of 16 clash.
That Shetty has now beaten Naraoka twice in three career meetings is especially significant. The Japanese ace, a finalist at multiple Super 750 and Super 1000 events, has long been one of the sport’s toughest players to break down. Outplaying him in a rally-heavy encounter reflects Shetty’s rapid evolution- physically, mentally, and tactically.
Shetty adds fresh depth in men’s singles for India that has established names like Lakshya Sen and Priyanshu Rajawat. His court coverage, shot tolerance, and intelligent attacking patterns make him one of the most exciting young prospects to watch in 2025.
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Satwik–Chirag Also Breeze Through
India’s day in Sydney grew even brighter with the country’s top doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, cruising into the quarterfinals. The world-class duo produced a dominant performance to defeat Su Ching Heng and Wu Guan Xun 21–18, 21–11, further strengthening India’s presence in the tournament’s business end.
