Ayush Shetty Beats Kidambi Srikanth, Sets Up Round of 16 Clash Against Kodai Naraoka

India’s Ayush Shetty advanced to the men’s singles Round of 16 at the French Open 2026 after defeating compatriot Kidambi Srikanth in a three-game opening-round encounter in Paris on Wednesday. 

The world No. 20 recovered from losing the first game to secure a 19-21, 21-16, 21-12 victory over the world No. 30, underlining his ability to respond under pressure against an experienced opponent. The result keeps Shetty’s campaign alive at the BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament and sets up a significant challenge against Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, the sixth seed. With several leading players eliminated in the opening round, the men’s singles draw has opened up, offering the Indian youngster an opportunity to make further progress.

The all-Indian contest produced closely fought rallies from the outset, with Srikanth using his experience to take the opening game 21-19. The veteran remained competitive throughout the first game, and Shetty was unable to convert the contest into an early advantage.

Shetty, however, stayed within striking distance and responded in the second game. After the opening exchanges, he found a stronger rhythm and improved his position in the rallies to win 21-16, levelling the match and forcing a decider.

The third game proved decisive. Shetty carried his momentum forward, while Srikanth struggled to maintain the same level of resistance. The younger Indian pulled clear to take the game 21-12, completing the comeback and securing his place in the pre-quarterfinals.

The scoreline reflected a contest in which Shetty had to work through an uncertain start before establishing control. Srikanth had opportunities to put pressure on his younger opponent, but Shetty’s response after dropping the first game proved crucial.

The victory also extended Shetty’s head-to-head advantage over Srikanth to 3-1, according to the supplied match information. For the youngster, the result represents another important win against an established Indian international, while Srikanth will be left to reflect on a match in which he started strongly but could not sustain his advantage.

Shetty’s progression comes amid a significant reshaping of the men’s singles draw. Several prominent seeds were eliminated in the opening round, creating opportunities for players outside the leading positions to advance deeper into the tournament.

World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand lost to France’s Toma Junior Popov, while Denmark’s second seed Anders Antonsen was beaten by Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long. Indonesia’s Zaki Ubaidillah also produced a notable result by defeating fourth seed Jonatan Christie, while China’s Hu Zhe’an eliminated eighth seed Victor Lai of Canada.

With half of the seeded players reportedly eliminated in the first round, the competition has become less predictable. The early exits of leading contenders have increased the importance of the remaining Round of 16 matches, where players will look to take advantage of the revised draw.

France’s Toma Junior Popov will face Singapore’s Jason Teh, while seventh seed Alex Lanier is scheduled to meet Thailand’s Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul. Indonesia’s Zaki Ubaidillah will take on Japan’s Koki Watanabe, and Taiwan’s fifth seed Chou Tien-chen faces compatriot Chi Yu-jen.

Other matches include Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke against France’s third seed Christo Popov, Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu against Hu Zhe’an, and Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan against Angus Ng Ka Long. For Shetty, the exits of several higher-ranked players provide an interesting backdrop, although his immediate focus will be on overcoming a difficult opponent in the next round.

Kodai Naraoka Presents a Different Challenge

Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, the sixth seed, awaits Shetty in the Round of 16. The Indian will need to carry forward the resilience he demonstrated against Srikanth while preparing for a different style of contest against the Japanese shuttler.

The supplied head-to-head record lists Shetty with a 2-1 advantage over Naraoka. That record offers a positive reference point, but the upcoming encounter will require another disciplined performance, particularly after the physical and tactical demands of a three-game opening-round match.

The match is scheduled for Thursday at 3:30 pm IST, according to the tournament schedule provided.

Shetty’s progress is also part of a mixed day for the Indian contingent at the French Open. P.V. Sindhu survived a dramatic deciding game to defeat Thailand’s Supanida Katethong 21-14, 8-21, 23-21 and reach the women’s singles Round of 16. Tanvi Sharma and Ashmita Chaliha are also scheduled to face formidable opponents in the next round.

Shetty’s win over Srikanth was not straightforward, but the manner of his recovery will offer encouragement as he prepares for the next challenge. Losing the opening game left him needing to win two consecutive games against an opponent capable of competing in extended rallies. He responded by levelling the match and then producing a more decisive performance in the third.

The early exits of leading seeds have made the men’s singles draw more open, but Shetty will still need to deliver consistently to take advantage. His Round of 16 clash against Naraoka is a chance to build on Wednesday’s result and strengthen India’s presence in the latter stages of the French Open.

For now, the Indian has achieved his first objective: surviving a demanding all-Indian battle and advancing to the last 16. The next test will determine whether he can turn that hard-earned opening-round victory into a deeper run at one of the BWF World Tour’s major tournaments.