KUALA LUMPUR – It’s a disappointing turn of events for the world’s leading men’s singles shuttler, Viktor Axelsen, as he had to relinquish his hopes of reclaiming the Denmark Open title.
Axelsen, who hails from Denmark, was compelled to withdraw from the prestigious Super 750 event today, as announced by Badminton Europe, owing to an injury in his left foot.
“I am, of course, very disappointed and frustrated that I cannot compete today.
“I love playing in Odense and in front of the Danish audience, but it would not be safe for me to play.
“Hopefully, I can start my rehabilitation quickly and effectively so that I can get back on the court as soon as possible,” said Axelsen, as quoted by Badminton Europe.
This setback comes on the heels of his Round 2 victory against fellow Dane, Magnus Johannesen, where he triumphed 21-7, 21-9.
Even then, Axelsen had expressed doubts about his ability to face Lee Zii Jia, citing pain in his lower left foot.
Axelsen also ended his match against Zii Jia on a sour note during the Sudirman Cup in May where he retired just five minutes into the first set at 4-4 during the team event quarterfinals due to a hamstring injury, handing Malaysia a 2-0 lead.
As a result of Axelsen’s withdrawal, the 11th-ranked Zii Jia has earned a free pass to advance to the quarterfinals, where he will face Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, with a chance to secure a spot in the semi-finals. — October 19, 2023