Author: Joleen

Posted on by

A Stellar Start to 2025: Team Yonex’s Powerful Performances at Malaysia Open 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia–The PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2025 kicked off the World Tour Series with a spectacular conclusion on Sunday, January 12. As one of the most highly attended tournaments, the Axiata Arena was nearly fully packed with passionate spectators, eager to witness world-class badminton. Team Yonex athletes showcased their exceptional skill and determination, achieving remarkable milestones and setting a strong tone for the year by claiming victories in all five categories.

The women’s doubles final kicked off the day with an exciting clash between two newly formed pairs who began their partnerships at the end of 2024. Competing in only their third international tournament together, Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto (JPN) faced four-time champion of BWF World Championship, Jia Yi Fan and her new partner Zhang Shu Xian (CHN). Despite the intense atmosphere and relentless pressure from their opponents, Fukushima and Matsuyama maintained their composure with consistent shots and aggressive play. After a grueling contest—the day’s longest match—they secured their first title together with a final score of 17-21, 21-15, 21-15.

The women’s singles final featured an exciting clash between defending champion An Se Young (KOR) and BWF World Tour Finals 2024 champion Wang Zhi Yi (CHN). While Wang displayed remarkable endurance in the first game, An Se Young’s powerful and commanding play ultimately shifted the momentum in her favor. She claimed her consecutive Malaysia Open title with a decisive 21-17, 21-7 victory—an excellent start to her pursuit of more titles, potentially setting new records this year.

The mixed doubles final also delivered a thrilling three-game contest as newly partnered Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran (THA) faced World No. 1 Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping (CHN). The Thai duo dominated the first game with ease, but Feng and Huang responded with aggressive play to take the second. In a closely fought decider, Puavaranukroh and Paewsampran displayed remarkable composure and resilience, ultimately securing their first Super 1000 title together with a final score of 21-13, 19-21, 21-18. This victory also marked Thailand’s first-ever Malaysia Open mixed doubles title.

The tournament concluded with an action-packed men’s doubles final. Korea’s fresh pairing, Seo Seung Jae and Kim Won Ho (KOR) faced Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi (CHN). The crowd, equally divided in support, cheered passionately for both pairs as they battled through long rallies. Seo and Kim responded with strong defense and counterattacks, dominating the second game and maintaining their momentum in the third. They secured their title with a final score of 19-21, 21-12, 21-12, showcasing the high potential of their partnership, which, while still in its deciding stages, holds promising possibilities for future success.
Yonex is a proud supporter of the world’s best athletes and actively provides the expertise of the Yonex Stringing Team, as well as premium on-court equipment such as court mats, net poles, and shuttlecocks.

CONTENT FROM YONEX.COM

Posted on by

Australian Open 2025: Upsets, Emotional Retirements and Rising Stars – Yonex Players Deliver Drama on the Court

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – We’ve arrived at the moment when the first major of the year, the Australian Open, turns from pretenders to contenders as the second week arrives and players look to make their moves. The drama has been sky-high, and the Yonex family has made as much noise as anyone across Melbourne Park. 

Lucky Loser Eva Lys Just Keeps Winning 

Ranked 128th, Eva Lys (GER) entered the Australian Open as a qualifier, looking to earn her way into the main draw. Though she lost in the final round of qualifying, she secured a spot in the main draw as a lucky loser when another player withdrew. And she’s turned that chance into a golden ticket.

After a straight-sets win in the first round, Lys battled through a close three-set match against Varvara Gracheva (FRA) in round two. With a spot in her first final 16 on the line, she overcame Jaqueline Cristian (ROU) in a thrilling two-hour, 25-minute match, securing a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 comeback victory. 

This unexpected journey has made her this Australian Open’s true Cinderella story.

Having competed in five Grand Slam main draws prior, the German’s previous best was the second round at the 2023 US Open. Lys is excited by her unexpected progression: “Obviously I’m very, very happy to make it to second week. I feel like the second week was always such a dream for me.”

Reflecting on her career struggles, she said: “I was always struggling the closer I came to top 100, the closer I came to those big tournaments. At the end of the day, I know I have the level, but I was always putting too much pressure on myself.”

As a lucky loser, Lys has been able to embrace her role as the underdog, playing with less pressure and more freedom. And now, her next opponent?  None other than the second seed and four-time Grand Slam champion, Iga Swiatek (POL). The ultimate challenge awaits.

Emma Navarro Keeps Thriving in Marathon Matches

Emma Navarro (USA) has risen from world No.31 a year ago to the eighth seed at the Australian Open this year, but it’s taken a lot of hard-fought wins, particularly ones in three sets. This AO has been no different, the South Carolina native notching a trio of deciding set triumphs to bring her record to 18-9 across three-set matches.

It was in the third round that Navarro faced two-time major finalist Ons Jabeur (TUN), with Navarro once again displaying her endurance in blazing conditions.

While Jabeur sought refuge in the shade between points, Navarro energetically raced across the court, countering Jabeur’s tricky all-court approach with supreme athleticism.

“I love tennis so much I can’t resist. I have to play three sets,” Navarro joked about her ability to survive long matches.

Last year, Navarro made her Australian Open main draw debut, reaching the third round as a relatively unknown player. Returning this year as a US Open semifinalist and world No. 8, she has already captured the Melbourne crowd’s attention with her flair and humor, advancing to her first fourth round in this tournament.

A Night of Upsets – Olga Danilovic Stuns Jessica Pegula

One of the most shocking results of the opening week came during the night session at Rod Laver Arena on Day 6. World No. 55 Olga Danilovic (SRB) pulled off a massive upset, defeating seventh seed Jessica Pegula (USA) 7-6(3), 6-1.

“She’s on top of the world. She’s such a great player. I knew I had to play my A, A, A, plus, plus, plus game to beat her,” Danilovic said post-match.

And that’s exactly what she delivered. Using her long reach to chase down Pegula’s shots, the Serbian struck 28 winners. Danilovic also fired serves clocking at 185 km/h,  winning 76 percent of first serves points and staving off six break points. 

An Emotional Showdown – Naomi Osaka vs. Belinda Bencic Ends Unexpectedly

In one of the most anticipated Yonex matchups, Naomi Osaka (JPN) faced Belinda Bencic (SUI) in a duel of peers who both recently became mothers.

However, the match ended on a somber note. After losing the first set 7-6, Osaka retired due to an abdominal injury. She left the court in tears but appeared at the press conference with a smile, vowing to bounce back.

“So unfortunately, [the injury] carried on from the beginning of this season, but hopefully I can get it together in time for the U.S. swing,” she said, expressing her hopes for the upcoming tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.

Bencic, meanwhile, expressed her sympathy.

“Of course, it’s not the way you want to win the match, that’s for sure,” the Swiss said. “I really felt for her. I’ve been injured before, so I know how it feels,” said the 27-year-old, who returned to Grand Slam competition after giving birth last spring.

“I’m just really taking it match by match and being appreciative that I’m able to play against top players and kind of testing myself,” she added, having only returned to tour in October. Her new chapter as both a mother and a competitor has just begun.\

In the singles draws overall, eight Yonex players have reached the fourth round: two men and six women.

As the tournament enters its second week, the junior and wheelchair are also underway, with even more Yonex racquets set to dominate Melbourne Park.

Content from Yonex Global

Posted on by

Australia Open 2025: New Yonex Members Capture Dream Trophies in Magical Finish at Melbourne Park

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The first Grand Slam of 2025 will be one to remember for fans – and the extended Yonex family. Madison Keys‘ (USA) Australian Open triumph came 10 years after she reached her first major semifinal and highlighted a series of dramatic finishes across Melbourne Park.  

Keys Opens the Door to Her Dreams… with a Yonex Racquet

Who could have predicted such a stunning conclusion to this beautiful story at the outset of the Australian Open? Keys, now 29 years old and ranked 14th in the world, entered the tournament as the 19th seed.

Her resurgence was evident during her impressive title run at the Adelaide International, where she showcased the results of her hard work in the off-season, including adjustments to her equipment and overall game.

Having turned pro at 14 and being hailed as a “child prodigy,” Keys had long pursued the major dream of any tennis star: a Grand Slam singles title. The decision to revisit her equipment came on the advice of her husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, whom she married in November last year.

“I kind of fell in love pretty quickly. I definitely think that I have a level of trust in things more with this racquet.”

“I think one of the big things is, especially on the days where I’m not really feeling [the ball], I felt like I have the ability to manipulate things with my racquet and my hands and have more safety. I was struggling with that before.”

Her ability to perform at a high level consistently was evident in her results. Her winning streak, which began in Adelaide, extended to 12 matches in Melbourne. She defeated 2022 finalist Elena Rybakina (KAZ) in the fourth round and World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in a thrilling semifinal —while also scoring a win over Elina Svitolina in between.

Then she clinched her first Grand Slam title, defeating two-time reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the final.

The winning shot for the title was a calm, precisely placed inside-out forehand winner. It was a long-awaited triumph, achieved through years of hard work and the power and control gained with her new racquet.

Talking about her EZONE racquet, Keys said:

“So, I’ve been using the EZONE 98 and I absolutely love it. I feel like I have more easy power, but I also have been able to control the ball.

I feel like, especially when playing someone who hits really big, I’ve been able to absorb the ball a little bit more.

I feel like it’s just really helped me elevate my game so that I can be a little bit more aggressive, but also have the control that I need to feel comfort to keep going for all my shots. ”

Men’s Singles: Ben Shelton Reaches Career Second Grand Slam Semifinal

In men’s singles, Ben Shelton (USA) reached the semifinals for the first time at the Australian Open, marking another milestone in his rapidly rising career. He tied the tournament’s fastest serve speed at 232 km/h (144.2 mph) and thrilled fans with his dynamic and powerful game.

Shelton’s impressive run came to an end against eventual champion Jannik Sinner. At just 22 years old, Shelton has already reached two Grand Slam semifinals, highlighting his immense potential and bright future in the sport.

Content from Yonex Global

Doubles: Yonex Scores Triumphs in Both Men’s and Women’s Doubles

Harri Heliovaara (FIN), who won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon last year with Henry Patten, triumphed again in Melbourne alongside the same partner. Their victory came in a dramatic three-hour-and-four-minute final against Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, with a scoreline of 6-7(16), 7-6(5), 6-3.

After dropping the first set in a historic tiebreak that ended 16-18 where the duo had 10 set points, they mounted an incredible comeback to claim the title.

In the women’s doubles, the top-seeded pair of Taylor Townsend (USA) and Katerina Siniakova claimed the championship. For Townsend, the victory came 13 years after she was crowned champion in the junior girls’ singles in 2012, marking a remarkable full-circle moment in her career.

Doubles: Yonex Scores Triumphs in Both Men’s and Women’s Doubles

Harri Heliovaara (FIN), who won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon last year with Henry Patten, triumphed again in Melbourne alongside the same partner. Their victory came in a dramatic three-hour-and-four-minute final against Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, with a scoreline of 6-7(16), 7-6(5), 6-3.

After dropping the first set in a historic tiebreak that ended 16-18 where the duo had 10 set points, they mounted an incredible comeback to claim the title.

In the women’s doubles, the top-seeded pair of Taylor Townsend (USA) and Katerina Siniakova claimed the championship. For Townsend, the victory came 13 years after she was crowned champion in the junior girls’ singles in 2012, marking a remarkable full-circle moment in her career.

Posted on by

Australian Open 2025: Stars and Stripes Soar in Australia. Three Yonex Stars Advance to the Quarterfinals

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – As record-breaking crowds flock to Melbourne Park for this year’s  Australian Open, the tournament has settled into its second and decisive week. Among the “Elite Eight” in both the men’s and women’s draws, three members of the Yonex family have made their mark.

Let’s take a closer look at their journey so far and the challenges that lie ahead.

Emma Navarro – “Queen of Three” – Advances to the Quarterfinals

“I’ve just been stayin’ alive, so hoping to continue on that train,” laughed Emma Navarro (USA) on court after her three-set seesaw against Daria Kasatkina.

The American No. 8 seed gave a nod to the John Cain Arena DJ for their Bee Gees pick as she reached the finish line against Kasatkina in what was Navarro’s fourth consecutive three-set win this AO.

When asked in a press conference about the key to winning such grueling matches, Navarro explained: “For me, I feel like it’s more of a test of mental will than anything. I have worked really hard on my fitness to be able to go three sets and play over two hours, three hours, whatever it takes. Yeah, I feel like my fitness has definitely paid off here in my first four matches.”

Navarro also highlighted her versatility as another advantage in long matches.

“It’s definitely something that I can hang my hat on a little bit, that I have a lot of tools in the toolbox, and I can bring different things out when I need,” the 23-year-old explained. “I definitely utilized the slice a good bit in the third set [against Kasatkina]. I rely on my defensive skills and my ability to move laterally, but also up and back.”

Her hope for her maiden Australian Open quarterfinal, where she’s set to face four-time major champion Iga Swiatek? “I prefer to win in two sets,” she said, smiling.

The last time the two met was way back in 2018 at an ITF tournament in Charleston, South Carolina, Emma’s hometown, with Swiatek winning 6-0, 6-2. But back then, Swiatek was ranked 412th, and Navarro was at No. 1123 making that match nearly irrelevant for their upcoming clash.

What will happen in their rematch in Melbourne? Navarro laughed and said, “We will see.”

Two Americans Bring Electricity to Elite Eight

In contrast to Navarro’s marathon matches, Tommy Paul (USA) had a relatively straightforward fourth-round win. His opponent, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, seemed physically drained from his own journey into the second week.

Davidovich Fokina took a medical timeout after the first set and struggled to stay on court until the end of the match in hot, summery conditions. Paul secured a straight-sets victory with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in just 1 hour and 27 minutes.

Two years ago, Paul reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, marking the start of his shift into the next gear of top-level tennis. He also made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year.

Reflecting on what he’s learned from those experiences, Paul shared:　“I would say just like taking care of your body is so important [during a Slam]. You want to go on the court for these three-out-of-five set matches willing and able to play five.”

Ben Feels Like This is Where He Belongs 

At the 2023 Australian Open, Ben Shelton (USA) was on his first overseas trip ever, and made a fearless and an unexpected deep run in his AO debut at age 20.

Now, two years later, Shelton is back in the quarterfinals, this time as the 21st seed. In the fourth round, he took on French veteran Gael Monfils, a player the American had admired since childhood.

Their much-anticipated clash showcased both players’ athleticism, with three consecutive sets decided by tiebreaks. After a grueling campaign that saw him upset No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz in the third round, the 38-year-old Monfils had little energy left and retired after the first game of the fourth having dropped the third proving Paul’s previous claim of just how important that third set is.

Shelton reflected on his return to this quarterfinal stage: “It’s just kind of like a peacefulness, a confidence”, he said. “In your off days, you’re not too worried how you’re hitting the ball or how many balls you hit.”

With his sights set higher, Shelton now sees the second week of a Grand Slam as a place he truly belongs.

Yonex Players Shine in Junior Australian Open

The junior tournament got underway at Melbourne Park over the middle weekend, with 40 players (20 boys and 20 girls) wielding Yonex racquets. Yonex holds a 31% market share among junior players, the second-largest among all brands.

Following in the footsteps of players like Joao Fonseca (BRA), the 2023 US Open boys’ champion who defeated No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev in this tournament, top juniors often go on to become future stars in the pro ranks.

This year, Yonex-equipped juniors are sure to dazzle with their potential to become tomorrow’s champions.

Yonex Players Shine in Junior Australian Open

The junior tournament got underway at Melbourne Park over the middle weekend, with 40 players (20 boys and 20 girls) wielding Yonex racquets. Yonex holds a 31% market share among junior players, the second-largest among all brands.

Following in the footsteps of players like Joao Fonseca (BRA), the 2023 US Open boys’ champion who defeated No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev in this tournament, top juniors often go on to become future stars in the pro ranks.

This year, Yonex-equipped juniors are sure to dazzle with their potential to become tomorrow’s champions.

Content from Yonex Global

Posted on by

Australian Open 2025: ‘Big Ben’ Shelton Advances to The Final Four, Faces the Defending Champion in the Semifinals

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – With championship weekend looming at Melbourne Park, the first Grand Slam of the year has seen its final four decided over two intense days of quarterfinal action. 

In the men’s singles, No. 21 seed Ben Shelton（USA） secured his second career Grand Slam semifinal berth after his debut at this stage at the 2023 US Open. 

Meanwhile, fierce battles are also unfolding in the wheelchair and junior divisions, with many Yonex family members shining brightly. 

Ben Propelled by Grit and Energy  

The quarterfinal match, which marked Shelton’s first appearance this year on Rod Laver Arena, turned out to be a truly “battle-tested” encounter. 

It’s no secret that Shelton’s biggest weapon is his serve. However, his quarterfinal clash against Lorenzo Sonego  showed that Shelton has more to offer – and proved he’s an elite-level player even beyond his serve. Windy conditions neutralized Shelton’s lethal serving, holding him to just nine aces across fours set, well below his typical output. 

Yet, Shelton ran tirelessly, dove for shots and showcased his determination and mental strength to win.He attributes this resilience to his confidence in his physical condition. 

“I always struggled physically. I would get deep in matches and I’d be cramping or tired and have no energy left,” Shelton reflected on his previous limitations. 

Now, Shelton has the stamina to win back-to-back-to-back matches at the majors. His patience and fighting spirit helped him seize victory in this quarterfinal match. 

“I wasn’t able to get the break, even though I was fighting, diving, doing whatever I could try to get a break in the fourth,” Shelton explained. 

The crucial juncture of this match came during the tiebreak in the fourth set, with Shelton leading 4-3. He dashed across the court, diving to return the ball, but Sonego captured the point.

 Lying on the side of the court, Shelton rolled into a set of push-ups, sending a signal to his Italian foe: “I’ve still got plenty of energy in the tank.” The move drew laughter from the crowd.

 The moment marked a serious shift in momentum, however. Sonego missed a volley on the next point, and Shelton followed up with a service winner. He sealed the match with a thunderous inside-out forehand, finishing 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6.

After shaking hands with his opponent and the umpire, Shelton roared triumphantly at the crowd inside Rod Laver Arena.  And as part of the tradition for winners, he wrote this on the camera lens: “Battle Tested.” 

Who does Shelton need to defeat to earn his place in a first-ever major final? That’s right—World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. 

Defending Champion Tokito Oda Powers Towards Back-to-Back Titles 

The fact that the current World No. 1 in men’s wheelchair tennis is just 18 years old is remarkable in itself. In addition, the ultra-determined Tokito Oda (JPN) has already won four Grand Slam titles, including last year’s Australian Open, rapidly following the path paved by the legendary Shingo Kunieda (JPN). 

The young rock star has been unstoppable on his way to the top. He defeated his first-round opponent 6-0, 6-3 and dominated Takashi Sanada —a mentor-like figure to him—with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 victory in the second round.

Despite the similar scorelines, Oda noted key differences in the matches.

“Mr. Sanada’s serve was fast, and he had good grand strokes so we had some great rallies,” Oda explained, adding that these challenges helped elevate his own game.

While he once strongly focused on rival Alfie Hewett (GBR), Oda now competes with the confidence that he “won’t lose to anyone.” 

The singular champion continues to carve his own path to greatness.

Content from Yonex Global

Posted on by

LI SHI FENG

LI SHI FENG

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2023 YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships MS Champion

EQUIPMENT USED

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube
Posted on by

TOMMY PAUL

TOMMY PAUL

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube

CAREER

Switching to Yonex racquets brought immediate success for Tommy Paul. The American reached his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the 2023 Australian Open, the very first major he played as a Yonex ambassador. That took him into the Top 20 for the first time. In 2024, Paul took his second career ATP title in Dallas, adding to his first in Stockholm in 2021.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2024 Dallas Open Champion
  • 2023 Australian Open semi-finalist
  • 2023 Eastbourne Finalist
  • 2023 Acapulco Finalist
  • 2021 Stockholm Champion
  • Career high of No. 12 in the ATP Rankings

EQUIPMENT USED

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube
Posted on by

BEN SHELTON

BEN SHELTON

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube

CAREER

Powerful and charismatic, Ben Shelton brought fresh energy to New York City by reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 US Open. With his deepest run yet at the Grand Slams, the 20-year-old became the youngest American man in the US Open semi-finals since 1992. In his rookie year, Shelton truly launched himself into the tennis elite. At the 2023 Australian Open – which was his first tournament outside the United States as well as his first trip outside the US – he played some inspired tennis to reach the quarterfinals. Another highlight of his breakthrough season came in Tokyo where he won his first ATP title. In 2024, Shelton added a second ATP title, which he took on the clay courts of Houston – aged 21, he was the youngest champion at that tournament in more than 20 years.

 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2024 Houston champion
  • 2023 Kinoshita Group Japan Open Champion
  • 2023 US Open semifinalist
  • Career high of No. 14 in the ATP Rankings
 

EQUIPMENT USED

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube
Posted on by

JESSICA PEGULA

JESSICA PEGULA

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube

CAREER

From Melbourne to Paris to London to New York, Jessica Pegula has established herself as a force at the Grand Slams. With her run at Wimbledon in 2023, she became only the fifth American woman in the last 25 years to reach the quarterfinals of all four majors. Another highlight that season was reaching the final of the WTA Finals. Pegula, who has been as high as World No. 3, has played some of her best tennis at the Australian Open, where she reached the quarterfinals three years in a row.

 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2024 US Open Finalist
  • 2023 WTA Finals Finalist
  • 2023 Hana Bank Korea Open Champion
  • 2023 Toray Pan Pacific Open Finalist
  • 2023 Canadian Open Champion
  • 2022 Guadalajara Open Champion
  • 2019 Citi Open Champion
  •  Career high of No. 3 in the WTA Rankings

EQUIPMENT USED

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube
Posted on by

CAROLINE GARCIA

CAROLINE GARCIA

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube

CAREER

“A lot of giant happiness,” was what Caroline Garcia was feeling after winning the 2022 WTA Finals in Fort Worth in Texas, for what was the biggest singles title of her career. She was the first Frenchwoman to land that season-ending tournament since 2005. That was the best season of Garcia’s career, in which she won a total of four singles titles and had her deepest run at the Grand Slams, reaching the semi-finals of the US Open. Garcia has won two Grand Slam titles, both in the women’s doubles at Roland Garros.
 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2x Roland-Garros Champion (Doubles) (2022, 2016)
  • 2023 Abierto GNP Seguros Finalist
  • 2022 WTA Finals Champion
  • 2022 US Open Semifinalist
  • 2022 Western & Southern Open Champion
  • 2022 Warsaw Champion
  • 2022 Bad Homburg Champion
  • 2019 Nottingham Open Champion
  • 2018 Tianjin Open Champion
  • 2017 China Open Champion
  • 2017 Wuhan Open Champion
  • 2016 Mallorca Open Champion
  • 2016 Internationaux de Strasbourg Champion
  • 2014 Bogata Open Champion
  • Career high of No. 4 in the WTA Rankings

EQUIPMENT USED

Share

Facebook Twitter Youtube