The Canada Open Badminton 2025 opened with big surprises as Kidambi Srikanth edged out Priyanshu Rajawat in a tough three-game match, while Ayush Shetty suffered a shockingly early exit.
According to The Indian Express, Srikanth won 18-21, 21-19, 21-14 to claim his first win over Rajawat. In contrast, Shetty lost 23-21, 21-12 to Sankar Subramanian. As highlighted in match reports and footage online, experience played a key role for Srikanth, while Shetty’s loss sparked debate about player fatigue and rising competition.
[REPORT] Srikanth Turns Back the Clock with Gritty Win
Kidambi Srikanth reminded everyone why he’s still one of India’s finest in the badminton world. In the opening round of the Canada Open badminton tournament, he faced fellow Indian and rising star Priyanshu Rajawat. What followed was an intense battle of experience versus youth.
Srikanth dropped the first game 18-21 and looked shaky. But the former world number one regrouped, fought back hard, and took the next two games 21-19 and 21-14.
His aggressive smashes and smart court coverage stood out, especially during a crucial 7-point streak in the decider. He needed 53 minutes to complete the victory and guarantee his place in the second round.
This victory is especially sweet for Srikanth, as Rajawat had beaten him in their previous two meetings. This time, Srikanth flipped the script in the Canada Open badminton spotlight.
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[REPORT] Ayush Shetty Stunned in First-Round Exit
While Srikanth celebrated a hard-earned win, it was heartbreak for Ayush Shetty. The young shuttler, who recently won the US Open, came into the Canada Open badminton event with momentum. But he ran into a tough opponent in Sankar Subramanian.
Sankar played a calm and steady game, forcing Shetty to work hard for every point. In only 44 minutes, Shetty had lost 23-21, 21-12. For a player that many had predicted would advance far in the competition, it was a frustrating conclusion.
It may have been fatigue. Shetty didn’t appear as focused or energized after a tough US Open campaign. Even yet, there is a learning curve in the Canada Open badminton atmosphere of intense pressure.
[TRENDING] Social Media Lights Up After the India Clash
As expected, the clash between Srikanth and Rajawat got fans buzzing online. Many praised Srikanth’s calm under pressure and his return to top form at the Canada Open badminton tournament.
One user commented, “All of sudden Srikanth on fire….”.
All of Sudden Srikanth on fire….
— hakuna matata (@hakunaaa2024) July 2, 2025
India AllSports page posted, “Kidambi Srikanth gets the better of compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat 18-21, 21-19, 21-14 in the opening round of Canada Open (Super 300). It’s 1st win for Srikanth over Priyanshu in their 3 matches. #CanadaOpen2025.”
Kidambi Srikanth gets the better of compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat 18-21, 21-19, 21-14 in the opening round of Canada Open (Super 300).
It’s 1st win for Srikanth over Priyanshu in their 3 matches. #CanadaOpen2025 pic.twitter.com/PKvwYbjHHh
— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) July 2, 2025
Bigyan Samele’s Take
What stood out most from these matches wasn’t just the scorelines. The thin margins at this level were the reason. Srikanth demonstrated the value of expertise by maintaining composure and changing strategies.
It’s a wake-up call for Shetty. Form and skill are important, but so are rhythm and recovery. It also says a lot about how talented Indian badminton players are. Sankar Subramanian, largely under the radar, showed composure and control to take down a seeded player.
This Canada Open badminton edition has already delivered a dose of excitement and surprise. And if the opening round was anything to go by, there’s much more drama yet to unfold.
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