Sydney: Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen captured the Australian Open 2025 men’s singles crown in Sydney on Sunday, defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka with a commanding 21-15, 21-11 victory. The triumph marked his first title of the calendar year and reaffirmed his stature as one of India’s most consistent performers on the international circuit.
Sen entered the final after enduring an exhausting semifinal that stretched beyond 80 minutes, yet he displayed remarkable composure and fitness to dominate Tanaka in the title clash. The match wrapped up in just 38 minutes, showcasing Sen’s superior control, tactical clarity, and shot-making precision.
With this victory, Sen became only the second Indian man to win an Australian Open singles title, joining Kidambi Srikanth, who achieved the feat in 2017. It also earned him his third Super 500 championship, adding to his India Open title in 2022 and his Canada Open triumph in 2023.
Sen opened the contest by relying heavily on his trademark net play. Both players exchanged delicate touches and tight spinning returns, but Sen managed to carve out a 6-3 lead. Tanaka tried responding with deeper lifts and flatter drives, yet Sen maintained his two-point cushion, heading into the mid-game break at 11-9.
As the rallies lengthened, Sen switched gears and unleashed his powerful jump smashes, repeatedly catching Tanaka off balance. The Japanese shuttler attempted to vary the tempo, but Sen’s anticipation and footwork allowed him to dictate most exchanges. His aggression paid off as he sealed the opening game with authority.
The second game reflected an even more dominant version of Sen. Confident after taking the first, he surged to an 11-5 advantage at the interval. His steep smashes, disguised drops, and tight net traps left Tanaka struggling to stay in contention. Every attempt at a comeback was swiftly countered by Sen’s steady defence and sharp transitions.
Though Tanaka managed to save one of Sen’s ten match points, the outcome was never in doubt. Sen closed the contest with a confident winner that summed up his supremacy on the day. His clinical performance not only delivered him the trophy but also offered a timely boost ahead of a packed season.
The victory will likely provide renewed momentum as Sen aims to strengthen his world ranking and build consistency toward major international events later in the year. His ability to rebound from challenging matches and dominate high-pressure encounters continues to underline his potential as a future global star.
As the badminton world takes note of Sen’s triumph, his latest win also highlights the growing depth of Indian badminton. His disciplined court craft, strategic maturity, and relentless work ethic have positioned him as a dependable competitor on the world tour. Coaches and analysts believe that his improved fitness, sharper reflexes, and enhanced tactical choices will help him secure more major honours in the coming months. Fans now await his next appearance with heightened anticipation. This victory stands as a reminder of his determination to build on past successes and chase greater milestones on the stage.
