Lakshya Sen ended his 2025 title drought by winning the Australian Open Super 500. He dominated Japan's Yushi Tanaka in the final and overcame earlier season struggles and injuries, marking a confident season finish and boosting his prospects for 2026.
Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen has successfully closed his challenging 2025 season by clinching the Australian Open Super 500 title in Sydney, marking his first tournament win of the year. The 24-year-old showcased a commanding performance in the final, defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka in straight games 21-15, 21-11 within 38 minutes. This victory not only ended Sen’s wait for a title this year but also reinforced his status as one of India’s top players in the men’s singles circuit.
Key Highlights from the Australian Open
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Decisive Victory: Sen controlled the final from the start, using his speed and attacking instincts to maintain dominance against Tanaka, whose unforced errors and unpredictable plays played into Sen’s hands.
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Tough Semi-final: Before the final, Sen edged out the world No. 6 Chou Tien Chen in a tightly contested match, demonstrating resilience by coming from behind in the decider.
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Season Comeback: Despite a rocky start marked by injuries and early tournament exits, including a heartbreaking miss at the Paris Olympics, Sen regained form late in 2025 with consistent performances culminating in this title.
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Milestone Achieved: This win represents Sen’s third Super 500 title overall, his first international title since the Canada Open in 2023, and breaks his 2025 title drought.
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Rankings Boost: The triumph is expected to help Lakshya Sen climb back towards the world’s top 10 players, setting a positive tone for the upcoming 2026 season with major events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games ahead.
Sen’s win echoed his dedication and strategic gameplay, making it a pivotal moment for him after a challenging year on the BWF Tour. This achievement solidifies his growing reputation and promises a strong return to form for the future.
Source: ESPN India, Indian Express, India Today, Sporting News, Olympics.com