The BWF World Tour moves to Sydney this week with the Australian Open Super 500, where India’s leading shuttlers will look to make a significant impact after a demanding stretch of international tournaments. The spotlight will firmly be on two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, who is aiming to end a title drought that has lasted more than two years on the World Tour.
Seeded third in the women’s singles draw, Sindhu enters the tournament with renewed hope after receiving a favourable opening path. The former world champion has shown flashes of her best form during the 2026 season, with her strongest performance coming at the Malaysia Open, where she reached the semifinals. However, a World Tour title has remained elusive since her triumph at the Syed Modi International in 2024.
Sindhu will begin her campaign against Peru’s Ines Lucia Castillo and will be determined to use the Australian Open as a launching pad ahead of a busy second half of the season. With several top players managing workloads after recent tournaments, the Indian star has a valuable opportunity to make a deep run in Sydney.
In the men’s singles competition, rising Indian talent Ayush Shetty will lead the challenge in the absence of reigning champion Lakshya Sen, who is unavailable due to injury. Ranked among India’s most promising young players, Ayush enters the tournament with growing confidence and will start his campaign against a qualifier. Veteran HS Prannoy is also expected to carry India’s hopes in the men’s draw.
The Australian Open, a BWF Super 500 event, will be held from June 9 to 14 at Sydney Olympic Park and offers crucial ranking points as players continue their race towards qualification for major championships later in the year. The tournament carries a prize purse of USD 500,000, making it one of the most important events on the June calendar.
For India, the week represents more than just another tournament. It is an opportunity for established stars such as Sindhu to rediscover winning momentum and for emerging players like Ayush Shetty to prove they belong among the sport’s elite. As the BWF World Tour enters another crucial phase, all eyes will be on Sydney to see whether India can return home with silverware.
Key Points
PV Sindhu is chasing her first BWF World Tour title since 2024.
Sindhu’s best result in 2026 has been a semifinal finish at the Malaysia Open.
Ayush Shetty leads India’s men’s singles challenge.
Lakshya Sen will miss the tournament due to injury.
Australian Open 2026 is a BWF Super 500 event.
Tournament dates: June 9–14, 2026.
Venue: Sydney Olympic Park, Australia.
Prize Money: USD 500,000.
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