In what turned out to be a match of razor-thin margins, India’s rising shuttler Ayush Shetty fought valiantly before bowing out in the opening round of the BWF French Open Super 750.
Facing Japan’s seasoned campaigner Koki Watanabe, the 20-year-old Indian went down 19-21, 19-21 in a contest that was as intense as it was heartbreaking. It was a match that could easily have tilted either way, with Shetty clawing back from deficits in both games only to falter at the final stretch. The scoreline barely tells the story of the composure, grit, and glimpses of promise that India’s No. 2 men’s singles player displayed on the Parisian courts on Tuesday evening.
From the outset, it was clear that this was not going to be an easy outing for either player. Watanabe, known for his steady defensive play and quick recovery, was challenged early by Shetty’s sharp net control and aggressive smashes down the line.
In the first game, Shetty trailed 13-17 before mounting a stunning four-point comeback to lead 19-17, energizing the small Indian contingent in the stands. But just as momentum seemed to swing his way, unforced errors crept in a missed lift, a wide clear, and a netted drive allowing Watanabe to snatch the game 21-19. The second game followed a near-identical script. Once again, Shetty trailed 14-17, fought back to 19-18, and once again, a lapse at the most crucial phase cost him.
Watanabe, showing why he’s one of Japan’s most technically disciplined shuttlers, capitalized on every half-chance and sealed the match with another 21-19 scoreline.
Ayush Shetty’s game on Tuesday reflected both his strengths and areas for growth. The youngster, who has been steadily rising in the BWF rankings (currently World No. 31), showed that he can match experienced international players shot for shot. His attacking intent, particularly the use of the jump smash and deceptive drops, kept Watanabe on the move throughout.
However, where Shetty faltered was in the transition from defense to attack. Against a retriever like Watanabe, patience and precision become crucial and the few rushed points at 19-all in both games proved decisive. Those fleeting lapses are often the difference at the Super 750 level, and for Shetty, it was another reminder that margins at the top tier are paper-thin.
India’s Men’s Singles Campaign Ends Early
Shetty’s exit followed a similar fate for Lakshya Sen, who suffered a crushing first-round defeat earlier in the day. With both Sen and Shetty out, India’s men’s singles campaign at the French Open came to an early end a disappointing outcome considering the promise both players have shown in recent months.
Lakshya, currently India’s top-ranked men’s singles player, had been looking to rebuild form after a few inconsistent tournaments, while Shetty was hoping to carry forward his steady progress since breaking into the top 35 of the world rankings earlier this year. Unfortunately, both ran into opponents who punished inconsistency and capitalized on tight phases of play.
Lakshya Sen Crashes Out in First Round of French Open Super 750: Another Blow in a Tumultuous Season
The focus now shifts to the Indian women’s contingent, with PV Sindhu, Aakarshi Kashyap, and Ashmita Chaliha all scheduled to begin their campaigns later in the day. After the men’s early exits, all eyes will be on whether India’s women can turn the tide at the Super 750 event.
For Ayush Shetty, 2025 has been a year of both exposure and endurance. The 20-year-old has competed in a string of major events including the Denmark Open, Arctic Open, Korea Open, and China Masters, facing elite names such as Chou Tien Chen, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and Toma Junior Popov.
While results have not always gone his way, what stands out is his growing ability to challenge higher-ranked players. Narrow defeats like the 19-21, 19-21 loss to Watanabe reflect not a gap in potential but in experience and late-game management. For a player still finding his feet on the senior circuit, that is a learning curve every top athlete must endure.
Shetty’s training base in Bengaluru and his structured approach to fitness and tactical planning have earned him praise from coaches and peers alike. He has also benefited from India’s recent surge in men’s badminton depth training alongside the likes of Sen, Prannoy, and Priyanshu Rajawat, who have all helped raise the competitive standard.
The French Open exit will sting, but it also sets the stage for Shetty to regroup ahead of the Hylo Open and the India International Challenge later this season. These events provide the perfect platform for him to translate near-misses into results and strengthen his position heading into 2026 a pivotal year with Olympic qualification points on offer.
The key takeaway from his match against Watanabe is clear: Shetty belongs at this level. The quality of rallies, his composure under pressure, and his ability to force errors from a technically superior opponent all point to a maturing player ready to break into the world’s top 25 soon.
Ayush Shetty’s 19-21, 19-21 loss might not add to his win column, but it adds something equally valuable experience. Matches like these, where victory slips by a whisker, are the foundation of future success.
As the French Open moves on, Shetty returns home knowing he was just a few points away from upsetting a top-tier opponent. With improved consistency and sharper closing instincts, it’s only a matter of time before those 19-21 scorelines begin to swing his way.
Men’s Singles: Round 1 French Open Super 750 (Paris) 🇮🇳 Ayush Shetty lost to 🇯🇵 Koki Watanabe 19-21, 19-21
A valiant effort. A tough lesson.
And another reminder that Ayush Shetty’s rise in world badminton is only just beginning.
