KUALALUMPUR – After a disappointing Malaysia Open outing for Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, the world number one has withdrawn from the India Open, which is scheduled to start tomorrow.
Axelsen, who lost to China’s Shi Yuqi 12-21, 21-19, 17-21 in the semi-final of the Malaysia Open, revealed after the loss that he was not in the best shape, both mentally and physically, and wanted to take a little time off to recover.
It is understood that the Dane has been struggling to recover from a foot injury that forced him to withdraw from the Denmark Open last October.
Taking to social media, Axelsen said that after his match on Saturday, he has been lying in bed
“After talking to the medical team in Malaysia, I have been advised to get an additional check-up,” the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist said in a social media post.
“That means that I, unfortunately, won’t be able to travel and be present at the India Open this year, which is rather disappointing as it has been a tournament where I have loved to play in front of the Indian badminton fans,” the post read. – January 15, 2024