India’s Ayush Shetty has announced himself as one of badminton’s most exciting emerging talents with a commanding title run at the US Open Super 300. The 20-year-old defeated Canada’s Brian Yang in straight games to lift his maiden BWF World Tour trophy, a victory that his coaches believe could be the first step toward breaking into the world’s top 10.Shetty’s performance was defined by his aggressive style, unleashing a barrage of steep smashes and sharp net play that left opponents scrambling. Throughout the tournament, he displayed impressive consistency, scoring wins over higher-ranked players including former world champions and top-10 contenders.His coach, Vimal Kumar, praised Shetty’s natural attacking instincts and growing maturity. “He has the ability to beat anyone on his day. The power in his smash is extraordinary, but now he is learning to build rallies and finish points smartly,” Kumar said. He added that with the right training and focus over the next year, Shetty could realistically aim for a place among the top 10 in the world rankings.Standing over six feet tall, Shetty has always been known for his reach and strength, but his improvement in defense and shot selection has made his game more complete. His coaches have emphasized refining his footwork and sustaining his intensity during long matches—key elements if he is to challenge the world’s best consistently.The US Open triumph has already propelled Shetty into the top 35 in the BWF rankings, a career milestone. More importantly, it has boosted his confidence as he prepares for a demanding season ahead. He plans to compete in a string of tournaments, including the Canada Open and the Australian Open, where he will have a chance to gain further ranking points.For Indian badminton, Shetty’s success offers a fresh spark after a relatively quiet spell on the international circuit. His rise also reflects the growing depth of India’s talent pool, with several young players making their mark in senior events.
While the journey to the top 10 will demand discipline, patience, and resilience, Shetty’s US Open victory is proof that he has both the skill and the temperament to dream big. As he continues to evolve, Indian fans and his coaching team will watch closely to see just how far this powerful new contender can go.
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