Ayush Shetty Stuns World No.9 Kodai Naraoka to Enter Australian Open Super 500 Quarterfinals

Ayush Shetty continued his impressive rise on the BWF World Tour with a breakthrough performance at the Australian Open 2025, defeating fourth seed and World No.9 Kodai Naraoka in straight games, 21–17, 21–16, to secure his sixth quarterfinal of the season.

The 20-year-old Indian, ranked World No.32, showcased maturity far beyond his age as he handed the Japanese star his second defeat in three career meetings against him.

The Round of 16 clash was expected to be intense, but few anticipated the tempo, grit and tactical depth the young Indian would bring to the court. Their last two encounters had already hinted at the development of a compelling rivalry, and this match reaffirmed Shetty’s growing reputation as one of the brightest emerging talents in men’s singles badminton.

The first game was a testament to Ayush’s ability to match Naraoka in both patience and pace. Known for his physically demanding, grind-heavy style, Naraoka thrives in attritional rallies meant to wear opponents down. But Ayush stood toe-to-toe with him from the outset, refusing to let the Japanese shuttler dictate rhythm.

With both players equally fired up, the exchanges tightened, and Shetty’s tactical clarity began to shine. He mixed up his defensive lifts with precise attacking clears and well-timed net tumbles, forcing Naraoka to lunge and retrieve far more than he typically prefers. When the opening game entered its closing phase, Ayush maintained his composure brilliantly, pulling away to clinch it 21–17.

It was a sign of what was to come a battle of endurance, execution and nerve.

Second Game Drama and Naraoka’s Delays

If the first game belonged to pure badminton quality, the second added layers of tension and disruption. Naraoka attempted to break the pace several times, stretching intervals and taking his time between points, trying to upset Ayush’s rhythm. The Japanese player, known for pushing matches deep with long rallies, was visibly struggling to impose his usual style as the Indian kept the tempo high.

Ayush’s response was exemplary. Rather than reacting to the delays, he focused on maintaining his clarity of thought and refused to let frustration seep into his shot selection. Even when Naraoka mounted a brief comeback midway through the second game, the Indian recalibrated instantly, stringing together a decisive run of points to seal it 21–16. The match may have lasted just two games, but at 68 minutes, it was an exhausting affair exactly the kind of grinding contest Naraoka normally thrives in. That Shetty not only survived but dominated speaks volumes about his physical and mental evolution this season.

Sixth Quarterfinal of the Year & A Growing Reputation

With this victory, Ayush advances to his sixth BWF World Tour quarterfinal of the year, underlining his consistency across circuits and conditions. His R32 match earlier in the week a comfortable 21–11, 21–15 win over Canada’s Sam Yuan had already shown him in sharp rhythm, and he carried that confidence seamlessly into the high-stakes R16 encounter. The fact that Shetty has now beaten Naraoka twice in three meetings is particularly significant. The Japanese star, a finalist at several major Super 750 and Super 1000 events, has been one of the most challenging players to break down in the last two seasons. Ayush’s ability to craft solutions against such an opponent demonstrates the depth of his tactical intelligence.

Shetty’s victory resonates beyond rankings and draws it signals the arrival of a potential long-term presence in the top tier of men’s singles. India has been searching for its next wave of men’s singles contenders, and while Lakshya Sen and Priyanshu Rajawat continue to operate at a high level, Ayush’s rise adds much-needed depth to the national setup. His court movement, ability to absorb pressure, and growing command over attacking transitions make him a highly watchable prospect, and performances like this one in Sydney are likely to accelerate his climb further up the world rankings.

Ayush Shetty now moves into the quarterfinals with both confidence and momentum on his side. With several top seeds falling early, the draw remains open for another deep run. If his composure against Naraoka is any indication, Shetty is ready for whatever the next round demands.

For now, this victory stands as one of the most significant of his young career an upset on paper, but very much a reflection of the rising standards he has set for himself in 2025.