Viktor Axelsen Withdraws from Denmark Open 2023 Due to Injury
World No. 1, Viktor Axelsen, a top seed and local favourite, has had to pull out from the ongoing Denmark Open 2023 due to an injury to his left foot. Axelsen was scheduled to face Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the Round of 16, but had to withdraw due to the injury. This has allowed Lee Zii Jia to progress to the quarterfinals of the BWF Super 750 event.
Axelsen’s Injury and Withdrawal
Despite comfortably winning his Round of 32 match against fellow countryman Magnus Johannesen (21-7, 21-9), Axelsen showed no signs of injury during the game. However, post-match, he revealed in an interview that he might have to pull out from his round of 16 match due to pain in his left leg. He added that it would take something extraordinary for him to recover and participate in the match.
Regrettably, Axelsen had to withdraw from the tournament with the BWF confirming his withdrawal due to his left foot injury. This comes as a major disappointment for the home crowd as he was a strong contender for the Denmark Open title.
“I am disappointed I cannot compete today. I love playing in Odense and in front of the Danish audience, but it wouldn’t be safe for me to play. I hope to start my rehabilitation quickly and effectively so I can get back on court as soon as possible,” Axelsen was quoted saying by BWF after his withdrawal.
Axelsen’s Previous Injury
In a similar situation, Axelsen had to retire due to an injury from his previous match against Lee Zii Jia during the Sudirman Cup 2023 quarterfinals. He suffered a hamstring injury during the match and had to withdraw as a result.
This was supposed to be the ninth encounter between the two players, with Axelsen leading the head-to-head record 5-3. The last time they met, Axelsen was forced to retire due to a hamstring injury which kept him out of action until mid-June.
Lee Zii Jia’s Progress
Lee Zii Jia had a tough opening match against Julien Carragi of Belgium who replaced Priyanshu Rajawat. Despite the struggle, he managed to defeat Julien (19-21, 21-15, 21-10) and is now waiting for the winner of the match between Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei and Kenta Nishimoto of Japan in the quarterfinals.
Author’s Quote
“The withdrawal of Viktor Axelsen from the Denmark Open 2023 is a major setback for the tournament and his fans. His absence will surely be felt, but it also opens up opportunities for other players to shine.”
Author’s Conclusion
“While Axelsen’s withdrawal is disappointing, it’s crucial for his long-term career that he takes the necessary time to recover. We look forward to seeing him back on the court soon.”
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and join our community on Telegram.
Kristian Jeppesen har en solid baggrund inden for journalistik og en uddannelsesmæssig sti, der har forfinet deres skrivefærdigheder og viden om sportsverdenen. Med en kombination af akademisk uddannelse og praktisk erfaring har Kristian Jeppesen opbygget et solidt fundament inden for sportsjournalistik.
