Satwik–Chirag aim for India Open win to restart title run

India’s top men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty , believe one breakthrough title at the USD 950,000 India Open Super 750 could be the catalyst to revive their familiar title-winning momentum. Despite strong results last season, the duo admit that the absence of a trophy left them feeling short of their own high standards.

The pair finished runners-up at the Hong Kong Open and China Masters , won bronze at the World Championships , and reached the knockout stage of the World Tour Finals . Yet, by their own admission, it felt like an underwhelming year.

“From the outside it might look like a decent season, but for us, anything without a title feels below par,” Chirag said. “We’ve set our expectations so high over the years that winning has become the benchmark.”

Those results came amid significant challenges, most notably Chirag’s long-standing back injury, which disrupted their rhythm and preparation. “It was a very tough phase, both physically and personally,” he said. “There were moments when I didn’t even know when I would be able to return. To come back and finish the year ranked world No. 3 was something I would’ve gladly accepted during that phase.”

Still, the competitive mindset of elite athletes often leaves little room for satisfaction. “When I dropped to world No. 27, finishing third felt like a dream. But once we got there, the first thought was still that we didn’t win a title,” Chirag admitted. “In hindsight, it was actually a really good year.”

The India Open holds special significance for Satwik and Chirag. They have reached the final twice in the last four editions and lifted the title in 2022 , a win that proved transformational. That victory triggered a golden run, including India’s historic Thomas Cup triumph and Commonwealth Games gold later that year.

“Winning a tournament changes everything,” Satwik recalled. “It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. That one win gives you confidence and helps you play your A-game. We’re just looking for that one spark again.”

Chirag echoed the sentiment, calling the 2022 India Open a defining moment. “Beating Ahsan and Setiawan in the final was huge. That win kept the momentum going throughout the year. I hope we can emulate that again.”

In preparation, the duo have placed renewed emphasis on service and return , an area they feel often decides matches at the highest level. “If you’re strong in the first two or three shots, you end up controlling most rallies,” Chirag said. “You can’t be perfect every time, but you’re always trying to get better.”

The pair have also settled back into a rhythm under Malaysian coach Tan Kim Her , with whom they reunited last year after the departure of Mathias Boe post the Paris Olympics. While adapting from a European to an Asian training style took time, the partnership is now more collaborative, blending old strengths with new ideas.

Looking ahead, Satwik and Chirag see Korea’s world No. 1 pair Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae as the benchmark. “They don’t give away easy points,” Chirag said. “To beat them, you need patience and your absolute best game. We’re confident we can get there.”

For India’s leading doubles pair, the India Open represents more than just another tournament — it is a chance to rediscover the winning touch that once defined their rise.