Tanvi Shines, Ayush Advances, and Hariharan/Ruban Cruise to Quarters | US Open 2025 Round of 16 Recap
It was a bittersweet night for the Indian contingent at the Yonex US Open 2025, as the Round of 16 saw a mix of heroic performances, narrow defeats, and a few missed opportunities. While Tanvi Sharma continued her meteoric rise with a stunning straight-games win over the reigning Junior World Champion, the experienced women’s doubles duo of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra bowed out. The men’s doubles pair Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi impressed with a dominant win, while in men’s singles, Ayush Shetty came out on top in an all-Indian battle.
Here’s a comprehensive look at how India fared in the Round of 16:
Tanvi Sharma Stuns Junior World Champion
In what was the standout performance of the day, 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma produced a calm and composed performance to defeat Thailand’s Pitchamon Opatniputh the 2023 World Junior Champion in straight games, 21-18, 21-16.
The young Indian controlled the tempo, mixed her shots with precision, and didn’t allow the Thai shuttler any real momentum throughout the match. This victory has now booked Tanvi a quarterfinal clash against Malaysia’s Letshanaa Karupathevan, who also had a strong showing in her Round of 16 battle.
Tanvi’s back-to-back wins over higher-ranked opponents are quickly establishing her as the breakout star of the tournament.
Ayush Shetty Outlasts Tharun Mannepalli in All-Indian Clash
The only men’s singles match featuring Indian shuttlers turned out to be a tight affair. Ayush Shetty, riding high on confidence from his win over Magnus Johannesen, faced off against compatriot Tharun Mannepalli.
The encounter was a classic three-game tug-of-war. Ayush took the opener 21-12, but Tharun fought back admirably to take the second 21-13. However, Ayush’s superior court coverage and tactical awareness in the decider gave him a 21-15 win and a place in the quarterfinals after 53 minutes of high-quality badminton.
Hariharan and Ruban Storm into Quarterfinals
India’s men’s doubles duo Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi delivered a clinical performance against Canada’s Jonathan Lai and Nyl Yakura. The Indian pair dominated proceedings with aggressive net play and swift court movement, taking the match in straight games, 21-10, 21-17, in just 32 minutes.
Their ability to convert defense into offense seamlessly was a standout feature of the match. They now head into the quarters with real momentum behind them.
Aakarshi Kashyap Falters in Marathon Battle
In what was one of the most thrilling matches of the round, Aakarshi Kashyap came agonizingly close to upsetting Malaysia’s Karupathevan Letshanaa. The Indian shuttler lost 21-17, 20-22, 13-21 after a tightly contested first two games.
Aakarshi had a chance to close it in the second game, holding game point, but Letshanaa showed her experience by saving it and then running away with the decider. Aakarshi will rue the missed opportunity, but it was a spirited performance that showed her growth on the international stage.
Anmol Kharb Overpowered by Denmark’s Line Christophersen
After a strong showing in the previous round, Anmol Kharb couldn’t maintain the momentum against Denmark’s seasoned campaigner Line Christophersen, who won the match 23-21, 21-10.
Anmol started well and pushed the Dane to the brink in the first game, but Christophersen’s superior shot variety and tactical play overwhelmed the Indian youngster in the second. The 35-minute encounter highlighted the gap in experience but also showed glimpses of Anmol’s fighting spirit.
Ira Sharma Falls After Fighting Start
India’s Ira Sharma bowed out in three games against Ukraine’s Polina Buhrova. Despite taking the opening game 22-20, Ira struggled with consistency in the final two, eventually losing 22-20, 11-21, 12-21 in 54 minutes.
The Ukrainian shuttler found her rhythm in the second and capitalized on Ira’s dip in pace and accuracy. The Indian will take valuable lessons from the tournament despite the loss.
Priya Konjengbam/Shruti Mishra Exit in Straight Games
In women’s doubles, India’s top pairing of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra found the going tough against the in-form American pair Lauren Lam and Allison Lee, who won convincingly 21-10, 21-14 in just 29 minutes.
The Indians struggled to handle the aggressive flat exchanges and fast pace set by the Americans. Despite their experience, they couldn’t find answers on the day.
Summary of Indian Results – US Open 2025, Round of 16
- Tanvi Sharma def. Pitchamon Opatniputh (THA): 21-18, 21-16
- Ayush Shetty def. Tharun Mannepalli (IND): 21-12, 13-21, 21-15
- Hariharan/Ruban def. Jonathan Lai/Nyl Yakura (CAN): 21-10, 21-17
- Aakarshi Kashyap lost to Karupathevan Letshanaa (MAS): 17-21, 22-20, 13-21
- Anmol Kharb lost to Line Christophersen (DEN): 21-23, 10-21
- Ira Sharma lost to Polina Buhrova (UKR): 22-20, 11-21, 12-21
- Priya Konjengbam/Shruti Mishra lost to Lauren Lam/Allison Lee (USA): 10-21, 14-21
India has three quarterfinalists heading into the next round:
- Tanvi Sharma (WS)
- Ayush Shetty (MS)
- Hariharan/Ruban (MD)
With some early exits and a few brilliant wins, the Indian campaign remains alive and hopeful. All eyes will now be on these three contenders to carry the tricolor deep into the tournament. Stay tuned for more updates from the US Open 2025!
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