Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty Exit French Open After Three-Game Battle
India’s leading men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, suffered an early exit at the French Open in Paris on Tuesday, losing 19-21, 21-18, 13-21 to French brothers Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov. In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, the Popovs produced a composed performance to earn their first victory over the Indian duo in four meetings.
The 61-minute contest offered flashes of the attacking badminton that has made Satwik and Chirag one of the most formidable pairs on the international circuit. But the fifth-seeded Indians struggled to find consistency at key moments, particularly in the opening and deciding games. The defeat also extended their difficult run to three consecutive first-round losses, a sequence that began at the Asian Games.
Popov brothers make a fast start in Paris
The French pair immediately made use of their home-court advantage, opening the first game with a 3-0 lead. Their early intensity put pressure on Satwik and Chirag, who were unable to establish the fast, aggressive rhythm that often allows them to dictate rallies. The Popovs stayed compact in defense and moved efficiently around the court, limiting opportunities for the Indians to attack into open space.
Satwik and Chirag gave away valuable points through service and return errors, along with several mistimed drives as they tried to force the pace. Those small lapses allowed the Frenchmen to build a substantial advantage. The Indians found themselves trailing 5-11 and were left with a steep climb in the remainder of the game.
The two-time World Championships bronze medallists attempted to turn the momentum with sharper exchanges. Satwik looked to use his powerful smashes from the back court, while Chirag tried to make an impact at the net. Yet the Popovs maintained their structure, rotating smoothly and protecting the front court. Their control helped them hold a 13-7 lead as the first game moved into its decisive phase.
Satwik and Chirag continued to press, but the French pair remained disciplined under pressure. The Indians’ attacking bursts narrowed the gap, though they could not fully recover from the early deficit. The Popovs edged the game 21-19, putting the home favourites one game ahead.
Indian pair respond to level the match
The Indians showed greater control in the second game, reducing the errors that had disrupted their opening effort. Rather than forcing winners from difficult positions, they worked to create better attacking chances and made the Popovs defend for longer stretches. That adjustment helped Satwik and Chirag settle into the contest.
Satwik’s power remained an important weapon, especially when he could attack from a balanced position. At the same time, Chirag’s tighter net play helped the pair take control of the front court and put the Frenchmen under pressure. Their improved coordination made it harder for the Popovs to dictate the pace as they had in the first game.
The second game stayed competitive, but the Indians were more composed in the closing exchanges. They converted their attacking opportunities and held on to win 21-18, levelling the match at one game apiece. The response raised the possibility of a turnaround and set up a deciding game between two pairs with contrasting strengths: India’s explosive attack and France’s compact defense.
Popovs seize control in the deciding game
The deciding game began poorly for Satwik and Chirag. The Popov brothers surged into a 6-0 lead, putting the Indians under immediate pressure once again. As in the opening game, the French pair’s early control made it difficult for the fifth seeds to build momentum. Their defensive coverage forced the Indians to work hard for points, while their quick transitions turned loose returns into attacking chances.
Satwik and Chirag fought back and reduced the deficit to four points by the final change of ends. The recovery showed their determination, but the gap remained significant. The Popovs continued to play with confidence, keeping their shots measured and avoiding the kind of errors that could have opened the door for an Indian comeback.
The Frenchmen closed out the game 21-13, completing a three-game victory in front of their home supporters. For Christo and Toma Junior Popov, the result marked a milestone: their first win over Satwik and Chirag after three previous defeats in the matchup.
A difficult stretch for India’s top men’s doubles pair
The loss adds to a challenging period for Satwik and Chirag, who have now been eliminated in the first round of three consecutive tournaments. The run began at the Asian Games and continued with another early departure at the French Open. For a pair accustomed to competing deep into major badminton events, the sequence will be a concern, even though this match also contained signs of their ability to respond under pressure.
The second-game recovery demonstrated that the Indians can adapt when their attack is not producing immediate results. Their next step will be to carry that composure across an entire match, particularly during the opening stages. Reducing service and return errors, improving their first few rotations and avoiding early point runs against them could help restore the consistency that has defined their best performances.
The French Open defeat will also be a confidence boost for the Popov brothers. Their disciplined defense, strong rotation and reliable net control allowed them to withstand the Indians’ power and take advantage of brief openings. Playing before a supportive Paris crowd, they delivered a performance that combined patience with well-timed aggression.
For Satwik and Chirag, the result means their French Open campaign ends sooner than expected. The pair will look to regroup and turn the lessons from this three-game contest into a stronger showing at their next tournament. Their ability to produce high-level badminton remains clear; the challenge now is to convert that potential into consistent results from the first rally onward.
