Star Indian badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have been called 'probably the best in the world' by their coach, 2012 Olympic medallist Mathias Boe, in an interview with the New Indian Express.
The pair have performed exceptionally, winning 4 titles in 2023; the Swiss Open in March, the Asia Championships in April, the Indonesia Open in June and the recently concluded Korea Open in July.
The latest title pushed them to world no 2 in the men's doubles rankings, but their coach Mathais Boe believes they are the best in the world. The Indian pair is currently on an 11-match unbeaten streak, after winning their first-round game at the ongoing Japan Open.
MORE: How can Satwik-Chirag rise to World No 1 in BWF rankings?
What has worked for Satwik-Chirag in their recent run?
Boe touched upon the duo's problem-solving skills. He said, “We need to be able to play different ways and also improve in the things that we are not so good at.
"When our opponents are poking and pushing, we are able to recover and keep playing at a high level so we can still keep winning points.”
Talking about the Korea Open final, Boe said, "They were off to a bad start, rusty maybe. They got started at the end of the first half and that’s what made them come out with a little bit of a blast from the second game."
"It kind of showed the Indonesians, that yeah, they are ready now and they have more to offer. That’s how good teams work.”
Lots to celebrate for 🇮🇳 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty!
— BWF (@bwfmedia) July 25, 2023
Congratulations to the dynamic duo for winning their first Korea Open title 🏆 and reaching their career high of world No. 2️⃣ in the BWF World Rankings. 👏 pic.twitter.com/VDCaEpS4Ju
MORE: Satwik-Chirag win Korea Open 2023
Boe admitted that there was a little luck involved in Satwik-Chirag's excellent current run. "Maybe also a little bit lucky. The Asia Championships, we shouldn’t have won."
"It’s sometimes about momentum. Overall, they are pretty relaxed when they walk onto court. They enjoy themselves and are good at keeping pressure to one side."
MORE: How Satwik-Chirag created history at Badminton Asian Championships
What next for Satwik-Chirag?
Satwik-Chirag are currently in action at the Japan Open running from 25-30 July. Their sights will be set on winning this tournament as well, before eventually looking to rise to no 1 in the world rankings.
The end of the year sees a prestigious prize on offer, with the BWF World Tour Finals trophy up for grabs in December 2023.
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