In Focus: Danish Badminton Legend Viktor Axelsen

In sports, few names shine as brightly as Viktor Axelsen. This Danish badminton superstar of remarkable talent has etched his name into the sport's history and people's hearts with his exceptional achievements and unparalleled playing style. His journey from a young prodigy to a bonafide badminton legend is captivating and inspiring.

Career Profile:

1. Men's Singles World Rank: 1
2. Men's Singles World Tour Rank: 13
3. First-ever European singles player to win World Junior Championships in 2010.

Personal Information:

1. Birth Date: 4th January 1994
2. Country: Denmark
3. Height: 1.94m (6 ft. 4 inches)
4. Handedness: Right
5. Coach: Kenneth Jonassen
6. Racket: Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ
7. Shoes: Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z3

Latest Updates: KUALA LUMPUR: World No 1 Viktor Axelsen will not be coached by Denmark's head coach, Kenneth Jonassen, or his father-in-law, Henrik "PK" Rohde at the World Championships in Tokyo next week. Instead, the former champion will be helped by Jonassen's assistant, Thomas Stavngaard.

From Child Prodigy to the Reigning Champion: A Long History with Badminton

At six, Viktor’s father took him to play his first badminton game at the Odense club. Later, the club named him the Player of the Year in 2004. He also won the National Junior Championship in the boys’ singles and doubles category. He won the 2009 German Junior and European U17 Championships. In 2009, he debuted in the international tournament at the 2009 Denmark Open.

In 2010, he won his first international senior title with Cyprus International. Axelsen claimed the gold at European Junior Championships in 2011. He also won the second-place at the 2011 BWF World Junior Championships.

From 2012 to 2016, he secured second and third positions in BWF World Tournaments and European championships. In 2014, he won the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold. He won the bronze medal against Lin Dan from China in 2016.

2017 was a big year for Viktor as he won the World Championships in Glasgow again against Lin Dan. The same year, he won the Japan Open and became the top-ranked player in the BWF world rankings.

He won the gold in the 2018 European Men's and Women's Team Badminton Championships. His team was placed second in the t2018 Thomas & Uber Cup after getting defeated by former world no. 2 Kento Momota in the semi-finals.

He won the gold medal in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, against defending champion Chen Long. He also won his first Denmark Open title and secured the "Male Player of the Year" award for 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. He won his second World Championship in 2022.

The Playing Style of Champion

Axelsen's playing style is a fine blend of power, finesse, and strategic insight. His height and physical strength bring aggression to the game. He employs his tall frame to intimidate his opponents. With long and agile limbs, his court coverage is excellent. Global coaches, professionals, and badminton enthusiasts have applauded his ability to switch between offensive shots and calculated defensive plays.

As an attacking player, Viktor has a strong smash, often the strongest in the game. His popular strategy includes forcing the opponent to lift the shuttlecock so that he can move back and smash it. His smashes are so fast it gets challenging for his opponents to react, and they lose the point quickly.

One can attribute his remarkable success to an unparalleled work ethic and dedication to his craft. With countless hours of practice, rigorous training regimens, and a tireless commitment to honing his skills, he has reached the pinnacles of the game.

Viktor's Recent Milestones: Notable Highlights from 2023

Over the past few years, he has consistently showcased his dominance and determination, securing coveted titles and leaving his mark on the world. Let's gaze at his achievements and milestones from the current year that stand as a testament to his unparalleled prowess on the badminton court.

1. DAIHATSU JAPAN OPEN 2023 (Tokyo, Japan):

On July 30, 2023, he won the 18th tournament of the 2023 BWF World Tour Super 750 against Indonesian player Jonathan Christie in straight sets of 21-7 and 21-18.

2. 2023 EUROPEAN GAMES (Tarnów, Poland):

On July 2, 2023, the Danish shuttler defeated French badminton player Christo Popov in an exciting men’s singles elimination final match that lasted more than 1 hour and 20 minutes. He also won the round-robin tournament against Polish Dominik Kwinta in straight sets of 21-9 and 21-9.

3. KAPAL API GROUP INDONESIA OPEN 2023 (Jakarta, Indonesia):

On June 18, 2023, Axelsen won the Indonesia Open HSBC BWF World Tour Super 1000 final match in Jakarta against Indonesian badminton player Anthony Sinisuka Ginting.

4. Yonex Swiss Open 2023 (Basel, Switzerland):

As a part of the BWF World Tour Super 300, Viktor reached the semis and won third place.

5. 2023 European Mix Team Championship (Aire-Sur-La-Lys, France):

Denmark won the championship with a significant contribution from their star shuttler, Axelsen.

6. Yonex Sunrise India Open 2023 (New Delhi, India):

He was positioned second in the BWF World Tour Super 750.

7. Petronas Malaysia Open 2023 (Kualampur, Malaysia):

By defeating Kodai Naraoka, he won the first BWF World Tour Super 1000 of the year.

Viktor's Weapon of Choice

Axelsen's equipment of choice plays a crucial role in enhancing his game. You can see him wielding a Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ racket and BG80 strings, meticulously selected to complement his playing style and preferences.

He chooses his racket carefully and upgrades it constantly to maintain his competitive edge. In the past, he has been a fan of the Yonex Duora Z strike and Astrox 88 S. A few people know he also used the Yonex Arcsaber 11 in his early days. His favorite shoes are Yonex Power Cushion 65 Z.

Inspiration from A True Badminton Legend

Viktor Axelsen's willingness to push his limits and embrace challenges head-on exemplifies his tenacity and sets a shining example for aspiring athletes. His unrelenting pursuit of excellence serves as a reminder that true greatness is born out of hard work and determination.