Lakshya Sen’s 2025 season has taken a welcome upward turn. After a turbulent first half of the year marked by early exits, inconsistency, and confidence struggles, the former World Championships medallist has finally rediscovered his rhythm on the World Tour.
His latest result a 23–21, 21–11 quarterfinal victory over compatriot Ayush Shetty at the Australia Open Super 500 confirms not just a return to form but also a growing sense of stability in his performances. With this win, Lakshya has now reached back-to-back semifinals, and four semifinals overall in the 2025 season, an encouraging sign for a player who thrives on momentum.
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The all-Indian quarterfinal between Lakshya Sen (World No.14) and rising star Ayush Shetty (World No.32) promised intrigue and the opening game delivered exactly that. Shetty has been one of the standout youngsters this season, beating multiple top-10 players, and he pushed Lakshya right from the start.
The first game was a pulsating, high-intensity battle, with both players displaying sharp net exchanges and excellent court coverage. Shetty even held a game-point opportunity before a costly service fault shifted momentum at a crucial moment. Lakshya seized the opening, elevating his pace and precision to snatch the game 23–21, a turning point that visibly tilted the match.
The second game was a different story. Lakshya stepped onto the court with clear intent, tightening his length, controlling the forecourt, and forcing Shetty into reactive positions. The result was a commanding 21–11 finish, securing his place in the last four.
While Shetty will regret letting the opening game slip, his match level remained high. But Lakshya’s experience, tactical composure, and sharper decision-making made the difference.
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For Lakshya Sen, 2025 had begun with troubling signs. Early-round losses in Europe, a dip in confidence, and inconsistencies in execution had kept him outside the deeper stages of many events. The turning point came after the World Championships, where his performances began to show greater stability and clarity. This semifinal appearance in Australia marks yet another positive step, showing a player who is beginning to string together strong weeks something that was missing at the start of the year.
Ayush Shetty Continues to Impress Despite Defeat
Although Ayush exited at the quarterfinal stage, the 20-year-old has had a breakthrough year beating top-10 players across multiple events and climbing into the world’s top 35.
His first game against Lakshya demonstrated:
- Composure under pressure
- Confidence in taking the shuttle early
- Improved net control
- Excellent defensive retrievals
While the service error at 21–20 will sting, Ayush’s progression continues to be one of the most exciting storylines in Indian badminton this season.
Next Up: Lakshya Sen vs Chou Tien Chen A High-Stakes Semifinal
Lakshya now faces World No.6 Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the semifinals a seasoned campaigner, known for his endurance-based rallies and tactical discipline. The two have produced memorable clashes in the past, and this encounter promises a contrast of styles:
Lakshya’s creative angles, bursts of pace, and sharp net play vs. CTC’s physicality, consistency, and ability to extend rallies
A win would take Lakshya into his second final of the season and further solidify his late-season revival.
For Lakshya Sen, the path forward is now clear: maintain physical fitness, sustain tactical discipline, and continue capitalizing on tournament momentum. His ability to reach four semifinals this season including two back-to-back suggests that the most challenging phase of his year may finally be behind him. If he continues in this rhythm, 2025 could still turn into a defining rebuilding year one that sets the stage for bigger results in 2026.
