Rounak Chouhan’s Stunning Upset Headlines India’s Strong Run at Yonex US Open 2026 as Four Singles Players Reach Quarter-Finals

India enjoyed one of its best days at the Yonex US Open 2026, with a series of impressive performances across multiple categories. The headline act came from 18-year-old Rounak Chouhan, who produced the biggest upset of the tournament by defeating top seed and World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen in straight games to book his place in the quarter-finals.

The Indian contingent also celebrated victories from Kidambi Srikanth, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, and Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj, ensuring a strong presence in the last eight. The only setback came in the women's doubles, where Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela bowed out against a Japanese pairing.

The biggest talking point of the day was undoubtedly Rounak Chouhan's sensational victory over Chinese Taipei veteran Chou Tien Chen, one of the most accomplished players on the BWF circuit. The 18-year-old defeated the World No. 6 21-17, 26-24 in just 49 minutes, registering the biggest win of his career and his maiden triumph over a top-10 opponent.

The scoreline alone does not reflect the adversity Rounak overcame. He trailed 15-17 in the opening game before reeling off crucial points to take the lead in the match. The second game required an even greater comeback, with the Indian youngster recovering from 11-17 down and saving multiple game points before sealing victory 26-24.

The remarkable display of composure and attacking intent has firmly established Rounak as one of India's brightest emerging badminton talents. In the quarter-finals, he will face Misha Zilberman of Israel with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Former World Championship silver medallist Kidambi Srikanth also progressed comfortably, defeating Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in straight games. Srikanth won 21-14, 21-13, controlling the match from start to finish with his experience and consistency. The victory showcased encouraging form from the seasoned Indian, who has been looking to regain momentum on the international circuit.

His efficient display ensured India had another strong contender moving into the latter stages of the tournament.

Tanvi Sharma Continues Impressive Rise

Young Indian prospect Tanvi Sharma maintained her excellent run by defeating Tung Ciou-Tong in convincing fashion. The teenager required just 43 minutes to register a 21-12, 21-19 victory, displaying confidence throughout the encounter. After dominating the opening game, Tanvi showed maturity to close out the second despite increased resistance from her opponent.

Her progress to the quarter-finals continues an impressive season that has seen her emerge as one of India's most promising women's singles players.

Another Indian to impress was Devika Sihag, who secured her quarter-final berth with a straight-games victory over Thailand's Tonrug Saeheng. Devika won 21-17, 21-19 in a competitive contest lasting 43 minutes, controlling the crucial exchanges in both games to prevent her opponent from forcing a decider. The result further underlines the growing depth in Indian women's singles badminton, with multiple young players now making deep runs at international tournaments.

Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj also advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Chen Su Yu of Chinese Taipei 21-4, 21-19. The opening game was particularly impressive, with Rakshitha conceding just four points while completely dominating proceedings. Although the second game proved far more competitive, she maintained her composure to wrap up the victory in only 29 minutes.

Her commanding first-game performance was among the most one-sided displays of the round and highlighted her attacking capabilities.

The lone disappointment for India came in the women's doubles competition, where Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela were eliminated in the Round of 16. The Indian duo went down 21-19, 21-8 to the Japanese combination of Sumire Nakade and Miyu Takahashi. The opening game remained closely contested, but the Japanese pair took control in the second to complete a straight-games victory and end India's challenge in the discipline.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/18-year-old-rounak-chouhan-stuns-world-no-6-chou-tien-chen-at-us-open-2026-for-biggest-win-of-his-career

Despite the doubles setback, the overall picture for Indian badminton remains overwhelmingly positive. Having multiple singles players progress to the quarter-finals reflects the country's growing strength across categories. The standout achievement, however, remains Rounak Chouhan's extraordinary victory over Chou Tien Chen, a result that could prove to be a defining moment in the young shuttler's career.

Combined with strong performances from Kidambi Srikanth, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag and Rakshitha Ramraj, India heads into the quarter-final stage with genuine hopes of multiple podium finishes.

As the Yonex US Open 2026 enters its decisive rounds, the Indian contingent has already made a significant statement. With established stars delivering and the next generation rising rapidly, the future of Indian badminton continues to look exceptionally bright.