The Indian challenge at the Yonex US Open 2025 (BWF Super 300) heads into a crucial stage as several shuttlers prepare for high-stakes Round of 16 clashes.
After a mixed set of results in the opening rounds, Indian fans will look toward promising names in both singles and doubles to carry the national flag deeper into the tournament.
Clash of the Young Titans: Ayush vs Tharun in All-Indian Showdown
A blockbuster Indian clash is set in Men’s Singles, where Ayush Shetty takes on Tharun Mannepalli. Scheduled for 12:20 AM IST on Court 4, this Round of 16 duel will guarantee India a quarterfinalist in the category. Ayush holds a 1-0 head-to-head edge, but both players have had solid starts in the tournament.
Ayush, the 4th seed, overcame Denmark’s Magnus Johannesen in straight games in the first round, though not without hiccups. Leading 14-5 in the first game, Ayush allowed his opponent to level the score briefly before pulling through 21-17, 21-19. Tharun, on the other hand, edged out France’s Arnaud Merkle in a tight three-setter, showing grit and late-match composure.
This clash could be a telling sign of India’s emerging strength in the men’s singles discipline post the era of Srikanth, Prannoy, and Lakshya.
Tanvi Sharma Looks to Extend Giant-Killing Run
16-year-old Tanvi Sharma returns to the court after delivering the biggest shock of the opening round—defeating second seed and World No. 23 Thuy Linh Nguyen 21-19, 21-8. The teenager’s fearless performance included a stunning comeback from 5-12 down in the first game.
Now, she takes on Thailand’s Pitchamon Opatniputh in a late-night fixture on Court 3 at 1:10 AM IST. While their head-to-head is 0-0, the Thai shuttler is an experienced international campaigner, and Tanvi will need to bring her A-game once again. A win here would not only mark another milestone in her fast-rising career but also potentially secure her a top-50 breakthrough in the world rankings.
Aakarshi Kashyap Aims to Build Momentum
India’s experienced singles player Aakarshi Kashyap is set to face Malaysia’s Karupath Letshanna in the women’s singles category. Slated for 2:40 AM IST on Court 1, this match is vital for Aakarshi to string together consistent international performances.
Having registered a straight-game win in the opening round, Kashyap will look to capitalize on her momentum. Letshanna, while relatively unknown on the senior circuit, has had a promising junior career and could test the Indian with aggressive rallies and a counter-punching game.
Ira Sharma vs 🇺🇦 Polina Buhrova: Third Meeting Between the Two
Ira Sharma, who holds a 2-0 head-to-head lead against Ukraine’s Polina Buhrova, will be looking to make it three-in-a-row when they square off on Court 2 at 12:20 AM IST. Both players have shown patches of brilliance in recent months, but Ira, with her superior court coverage and experience, will start as the favorite.
A win here would mark a major step forward in her bid to re-establish herself among India’s top four singles contenders ahead of the Asian leg later this year.
Anmol Kharb vs Denmark’s Christophersen
After a spirited opening-round victory in three games, Anmol Kharb now meets Denmark’s Line Christophersen at 3:40 AM IST on Court 3. Christophersen is a strong, well-rounded player who has had deep runs in European events, making this one of the tougher draws for Anmol.
While the head-to-head is 0-0, the Indian will be banking on her recent form, fitness, and tactical shot-making to trouble the higher-ranked Dane. A win here would be her most significant international result to date.
Indian Doubles Hopes Ride on Two Matches
India will also be in action in both men’s and women’s doubles in the pre-dawn hours:
- Men’s Doubles: The Indian pair of Hariharan and Ruban K will face the experienced Canadian team of Jonathan L and Nyl Yakura at 3:30 AM IST on Court 1. The Canadians bring tactical discipline and strong net play, and the Indian duo will need sharp service returns and mid-court dominance to prevail.
- Women’s Doubles: At 5:10 AM IST, Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra take on the American pair of Lauren Lam and Allison Lee on Court 1. This is a golden opportunity for the Indians, who haven’t faced the American pair before. A spot in the last eight would be a major boost for this relatively new Indian combination.
Summary of Indian Round of 16 Matches – US
Open 2025
With only two Indian men’s singles players left facing each other it’s up to the women’s singles and doubles units to carry forward the nation’s hopes. Given the depth in women’s singles, a strong showing tonight could be the catalyst India needs to bounce back from the disappointing men’s singles performances in the opening rounds.
Eyes will especially be on Tanvi Sharma to continue her breakout run and on Ayush vs Tharun to deliver an all-Indian classic.
Let the battle for quarterfinals begin!
