Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, Satwik–Chirag began their Australian Open 2025 campaign with the assurance and clarity expected from the world’s top men’s doubles pair.
In their opening-round clash in Sydney, the top-seeded Indians defeated Taiwan’s Chang Ko-Chi and Po Li-Wei 25–23, 21–16, advancing to the Round of 16 with a performance that steadily grew in control and conviction. The first game demanded every ounce of composure from the Indian pair. A slow start allowed the Taiwanese duo to settle early, and the rallies quickly turned into a tactical battle rather than the high-tempo exchanges Satwik and Chirag usually thrive on. Chang and Po used flat drives and mid-court pressure to disrupt the Indians’ rhythm, and for much of the game, Satwik and Chirag were forced to find solutions rather than impose their natural game.
But as they have shown so many times over the last two seasons, the Indian pair remains at their sharpest when the pressure spikes. At 20–20, with the game hanging on a knife’s edge, Satwik’s explosive serves and Chirag’s precision interceptions finally tilted the balance. A tense, error-free finish sealed the opener 25–23, in what could best be described as a heart-stopping, momentum-shifting game.
Once that first game was secured, the world No.1 pair looked far more settled. Their transitions became smoother, their control at the net more assured, and the pace of play shifted decisively in their favour. The second game saw Satwik and Chirag dictate the rallies from the outset. Satwik’s power from the backcourt forced the Taiwanese pair into defensive positions, while Chirag’s soft hands at the net created openings with growing consistency.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Chang and Po mounted resistance, keeping the mid-game scoreline close, but India’s top duo never let the lead slip. A late burst of aggressive play closed out the second game 21–16, completing a straight-games win that was both hard-earned and professionally managed.
With this victory, Satwik and Chirag march into the Round of 16, where they will face another Taiwanese pair Heng Su Ching and Xun Wu Guan on the 20th. The upcoming match will demand focus, but with the rust shaken off, the Indians will back themselves to rise deeper into the draw at the Super 500 event.
Mixed Fortunes for India in Women’s Doubles
While Satwik and Chirag advanced, India’s top women’s doubles pair, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, faced a tough outing in their opening round. Seeded fourth, Treesa and Gayatri were up against the experienced Indonesian pair Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari, a duo known for their defensive strength and relentless court coverage.
The Indonesians raced to an 11–5 lead at the first game interval, pushing the Indian pair into prolonged defensive exchanges. Treesa and Gayatri struggled to break through the tight formations of Kusuma and Puspitasari, who controlled the tempo and forced the Indians into rushed shots. The first game ended 21–10, leaving the Indians with significant adjustments to make.
The second game was more competitive. Treesa and Gayatri showed better organisation and increased their net involvement, trailing only 11–9 at the mid-game interval. However, the Indonesians once again lifted their level in the final stretch. Their superior consistency and ability to retrieve deep smashes proved decisive, and they closed out the match 21–10, 21–14, ending India’s challenge in the women’s doubles bracket at the Round of 32 stage.
The opening day in Sydney brought contrasting outcomes for the Indian contingent. Satwik and Chirag survived a tricky opener to book their place in the Round of 16, showing signs of the form that made them one of the most influential pairs on the world circuit. Treesa and Gayatri, meanwhile, will return to regroup after a tough tactical defeat against a more settled Indonesian duo.
With the men’s doubles top seeds progressing and confidence growing within the camp, India will look forward to stronger results as the Australian Open 2025 intensifies.
The spotlight now shifts firmly onto Satwik and Chirag and the XD & Singles players, who will aim to maintain their momentum and push deeper into the tournament.
