BASEL, Switzerland – Top-seeded Indian men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were forced to withdraw from the Swiss Open on Friday, giving Denmark’s Rasmus Kjaer and Christian Faust Kjaer a walkover in the quarterfinal round. The decision comes as a result of a recurring shoulder injury for Rankireddy, casting a shadow over their preparations for the upcoming Badminton Asia Championships.
The world No. 4 duo, seeded first in Basel, had been aiming to conclude a title drought stretching back 22 months. While they secured a World Championships bronze medal last year and reached two finals, a tournament victory has eluded them since their triumph at the Thailand Open in May 2024. This Swiss Open presented a significant opportunity, but Rankireddy’s pre-existing right shoulder issue flared up, ultimately leading to their withdrawal.
“Satwik had shoulder pain before the match which is why we decided to pull out,” coach Tan Kim Her explained from Basel, as reported by Hindustan Times. “It is an classic injury. He needs at least one week’s rest before the Asia Championships.”
The timing of the injury is particularly concerning as the Badminton Asia Championships are fast approaching, scheduled to grab place in Ningbo, China, from April 7-12. Rankireddy and Shetty hold a distinguished place in Indian badminton history, being the only Indian pair, after Dinesh Khanna in 1965, to have secured the continental title, achieving this feat in 2023. Their absence will undoubtedly be felt as they aim to defend their title.
The withdrawal followed a hard-fought second-round victory against Japan’s Hiroki Okamura and Kyohei Yamashita on Thursday. The Indian pair needed to convert their seventh match point to secure the win at St. Jakobshalle, and it appears the exertion may have aggravated Rankireddy’s shoulder. The match was a lengthy affair, lasting 74 minutes, suggesting a physically demanding contest.
For Rankireddy and Shetty, this setback is a familiar one. The shoulder injury has been a recurring concern, impacting their performance and forcing adjustments to their training regimen. The team will now focus on recovery and rehabilitation, hoping to have Rankireddy fully fit for the Asia Championships. The Asia Championships are a crucial event, not only for the prestige of the title but likewise as a key qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games later this year.
Despite the disappointment of losing their top doubles team, India still has representation in the tournament. Tharun Mannepalli remains in contention, having advanced to the men’s singles quarter-final where he will face Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting. Mannepalli’s match offers a continued opportunity for Indian success at the Swiss Open.
However, the tournament has already seen some setbacks for the Indian contingent. Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost their mixed doubles second-round match to China’s Gao Jia Xuan and Wu Meng Ying on Thursday, 15-21, 17-21, further diminishing India’s medal hopes.
The focus now shifts to Rankireddy’s recovery and whether he can regain full fitness ahead of the Badminton Asia Championships. The team’s medical staff will be closely monitoring his progress, and a cautious approach is expected to ensure he doesn’t risk further injury. The Asia Championships represent a significant challenge, and the team will need Rankireddy at his best to contend for the title.
The Swiss Open continues with the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, culminating in the finals on Sunday. Fans can follow the tournament’s progress through official BWF channels and sports news outlets. For Rankireddy and Shetty, the road to recovery begins now, with the ultimate goal of competing at the highest level in Ningbo.
What’s Next: Tharun Mannepalli will compete in the men’s singles quarter-final against Anthony Sinisuka Ginting. Updates on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s recovery will be released by the Badminton Association of India as they become available.
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