BWF US Open: Srikanth enters first final of the year; Devika, Rounak bow out

Indian badminton ace Kidambi Srikanth has smashed his way into his first final of the year at the BWF US Open 2026, marking a significant comeback for the former world number one. While Srikanth prepares for a thrilling men's singles summit clash against Chinese Taipei's Su Li-yang, young Indian talents Devika Sihag and Rounak Chouhan ended their impressive runs in the semi-finals, showcasing India's rising strength on the global badminton stage. This run to the BWF Super 300 final in Fullerton, California, is a big deal for Srikanth, who last clinched a BWF title back in 2017. It signals his intent to return to top form, especially after a challenging period. Meanwhile, the performances of Devika Sihag, who has already bagged titles at the Thailand Masters and Azerbaijan International this year, and 18-year-old Rounak Chouhan, who stunned world number 6 Chou Tien Chen, highlight a promising future for Indian badminton. All eyes will now be on Srikanth as he battles Su Li-yang in today's final, aiming to lift his first BWF title in nearly a decade. His performance, alongside the bold displays from Devika and Rounak, will be crucial indicators for India's badminton prospects in upcoming major tournaments. These strong showings build excitement and set the stage for more Indian shuttlers to make their mark on the international circuit.