For the better part of 2024, world No. 1 shuttler, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen has been out of action, and now is finally returning to the court with French Open 2024, the same venue for the Olympics later in the year. He had skipped the Indian Open too, and had been nursing a foot niggle as well. But now all looks well for him.
Having said that, he had been participating and winning despite that niggle, until it was time for him to step back. “First of all, I’m looking forward to playing without pain, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the field and competing, Viktor Axelsen told dr.dk, a Danish publication.
Through all that, he has maintained his top position throughout, without even giving a hint, that he was struggling. Then finally, after a semis loss at the Malaysia Open, he did go for a rehab. “Since October, and actually until a week after Malaysia, it has been quite challenging physically in terms of getting the body back on track.”
“I had to make this decision and say that I didn’t want to play with pain in my foot anymore. I had to get it under control before I really get started again.”
At 16, Unnati Hooda champion-material for sure, as father focused on improving skill
PV Sindhu at number 16 in World’s highest-paid female athletes 2023 list
Satwik-Chirag, predicament of doubles badminton & the great Indian tragedy
Need to wait & see if next generation after Sindhu & Saina is ready: Aparna Popat
“It has given an insane amount (the break). It has meant that I have built up a base and hopefully laid a few foundation stones towards the Olympic form,” he added. “I have really enjoyed both being able to train, but also being a little more continuous with the family and spending time with our children.”