Lakshya Sen’s 2025 season may have begun in frustration, but it ends with fireworks. In a commanding performance in Sydney, the World No. 14 defeated Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21–15, 21–11 to lift the Super 500 title—his first tournament victory of the year. The final lasted just 38 minutes, but its significance stretched far beyond the scoreboard.

This was Lakshya at his sharpest—fast, instinctive, and ruthless. Just 24 hours earlier, he had slogged through an 86-minute semi-final thriller against World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen. Fatigue could have been a factor. Pressure could have unsettled him. But instead, he treated the final like a mission. A mission to close the year on his terms.

A Solid Week, A Fierce Journey

Sydney tested Lakshya from the outset. After a hard-fought three-game win over Chi Yu Jen in the second round, he found his rhythm in the quarters, cruising past compatriot Ayush Shetty.

But the real turning point came in the semi-final. After losing the opening game 17–21 to Chou Tien Chen and staring at defeat in a nail-biting second game, Lakshya summoned steel-like composure. He edged the second 24–22, then stormed through the decider to clinch one of the most impressive comeback wins of his season.

By the time he walked into the final, he carried both momentum and hunger. Against Tanaka, he maintained impeccable control—blending speed, tight net play, and blistering attacks. The second game flew by as Lakshya raced to 21–11, refusing to let Tanaka breathe.

Then came his signature celebration: fingers in his ears—blocking out doubt, pressure, and criticism. It was followed by an emotional embrace with coach Yoo Yong Sung and father D. K. Sen, both witnesses to a moment of redemption.

Finishing Strong and Looking Ahead

The win symbolizes more than just a trophy. It marks Lakshya’s return to rhythm after a challenging start to the year. Early exits, nagging injuries, and the emotional weight of narrowly missing an Olympic medal last year had cast long shadows. But with persistence and recalibration, the young shuttler has found his fire again.

His late-season form tells the story:

Champion at the Australian Open Super 500

Semi-finalist at the Japan Masters

Quarter-finalist at the Hylo Open

This late burst of consistency signals a player rediscovering belief and timing it perfectly.

Eyes on a High-Stakes 2026

With this victory, Lakshya sets his sights on an even bigger goal: breaking back into the world’s top 10. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the 2026 calendar features two major events—the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games.

If this resurgent form is any indication, Lakshya Sen is not just back; he’s ready to take on the world stage with renewed authority.