Fresh off a strong run of results across Asia, India’s premier men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, will look to extend their momentum as they spearhead India’s challenge at the French Open Super 750 badminton tournament, beginning in Paris on Tuesday.
Currently ranked World No. 6, Satwik and Chirag have rediscovered their best form after an injury-disrupted mid-season. The duo reached back-to-back finals at the Hong Kong and China Masters before bowing out in the semifinals of the Denmark Open last week. Their impressive consistency has raised hopes of another deep run in Paris — a venue that holds a special place in their careers.
The Indian pair will open their campaign against Indonesia’s Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Rahmat Hidayat. Having already claimed the French Open title twice — first in 2022, when it marked their maiden Super 750 triumph, and again in 2024 — the defending champions will aim to script a memorable hat-trick on their favourite hunting ground. They also secured a second World Championships bronze medal in Paris earlier this year, further underlining their comfort on French soil.
Elsewhere in men’s singles, Lakshya Sen — runner-up at the Hong Kong Open — will look to maintain his form as he faces Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen in his opening-round match. The Indian had edged past Nguyen in three games at the Denmark Open last week. Youngster Ayush Shetty, who claimed the US Open title earlier this year, faces a stern first-round challenge against Japan’s Koki Watanabe.
In the women’s singles draw, rising star Anmol Kharb faces a daunting task as she takes on top seed and World No. 1 An Se-young of Korea. Kharb has been one of India’s brightest young prospects this season, having reached the semifinals of the Arctic Open Super 500 earlier this month. Meanwhile, Anupama Upadhyaya will meet China’s fourth seed Han Yue, and Unnati Hooda, fresh off a quarterfinal finish at the World Junior Championships, begins her campaign against Malaysia’s Karupathevan Letshanaa.
The men’s doubles draw also features Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek K, while the women’s doubles will see an all-Indian opener between Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singh and the Panda sisters, Rutuparna and Swetaparna.
In mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, along with Rohan Kapoor and Rutvika Shivani Gadde, will aim to make an impression against seasoned international pairs.
With form and familiarity on their side, Satwik and Chirag will once again lead India’s charge in Paris, hoping that their trusted venue delivers another golden chapter in their growing legacy.
