The US Open 2025 badminton tournament has already served up a major upset. India’s top mixed doubles pair, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, entered the event as top seeds and favorites. But in a result that stunned fans and experts alike, the duo crashed out in the very first round, losing to an unseeded Chinese Taipei pair. Here’s how the drama unfolded and what it means for Indian badminton.
The Upset: How Crasto-Kapila Fell in Round One
A Promising Start Turns Sour
Kapila and Crasto, currently India’s highest-ranked mixed doubles team, were expected to breeze through their opening match. They started strong, taking the first game 21-17 against Yu Chieh Lin and Yu En Hung of Chinese Taipei. However, the momentum quickly shifted.
Second Game: The Taipei pair fought back, taking the second game 21-16.
Decider: Despite a spirited effort, Crasto-Kapila couldn’t regain control, ultimately losing the third game 21-17 and bowing out of the tournament.
Key Moments
- Kapila and Crasto’s aggressive net play in the opener gave them the edge.
- Unforced errors and lapses in concentration in the second and third games proved costly.
- The Taipei duo capitalized on every opportunity, showing composure under pressure.
What Went Wrong for the Top Seeds?
Pressure of Expectations
Being the top seeds comes with its own set of pressures. Kapila and Crasto, fresh off a strong run at the German Open earlier this year, may have felt the weight of expectations.
Tactical Shifts
The Chinese Taipei pair adjusted their tactics after the first game, targeting weaknesses and forcing errors. Kapila and Crasto struggled to adapt, particularly in the mid-game exchanges.
Recent Form
While Kapila and Crasto have shown flashes of brilliance—reaching the German Open semifinals and quarterfinals at the Malaysia Masters—consistency has been an issue in 2025.
Impact on India’s US Open Campaign
With the early exit of their top mixed doubles pair, India’s hopes now rest on other players:
- Women’s Singles: Ira Sharma, Aakarshi Kashyap, Anmol Kharb, Tanvi Sharma, and Shriyanshi Valishetty are in the main draw.
- Women’s Doubles: Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra advanced to round two.
- Men’s Doubles: Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi are through to the round of 16.
What’s Next for Crasto-Kapila?
The Indian duo will need to regroup quickly, analyze what went wrong, and focus on upcoming tournaments. Their talent is undeniable, but translating potential into consistent results remains the challenge.
FAQs: Crasto-Kapila’s US Open 2025 Exit
Q1: Who defeated Crasto-Kapila at the US Open 2025?
The Indian top seeds lost to the unseeded Chinese Taipei pair Yu Chieh Lin and Yu En Hung in three games.
Q2: What was the score in the first-round match?
Crasto-Kapila lost 21-17, 16-21, 17-21 in a tightly contested match.
Q3: Were Crasto-Kapila favorites to win the tournament?
Yes, they were the top seeds and considered strong contenders for the title.
Q4: How have Crasto-Kapila performed in recent tournaments?
They reached the semifinals at the German Open and the quarterfinals at the Malaysia Masters earlier this year.
Q5: Which Indian players are still in contention at the US Open 2025?
Ira Sharma, Aakarshi Kashyap, Anmol Kharb, Tanvi Sharma, Shriyanshi Valishetty (women’s singles), Priya Konjengbam-Shruti Mishra (women’s doubles), and Hariharan Amsakarunan-Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi (men’s doubles) are still in the draw.
Conclusion
The shock first-round exit of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto at the US Open 2025 is a reminder of how unpredictable badminton can be—even the favorites can falter on the big stage. As the tournament continues, Indian fans will be hoping for deep runs from the remaining players. For Crasto and Kapila, this is a setback, but also a learning opportunity as they look to bounce back in the next event.
