Aksel Kryhlmand
With the World Championships in Paris looming around the corner in August, Axelsen’s participation remains uncertain.
With the World Championships in Paris looming around the corner in August, Axelsen’s participation remains uncertain.
A Rollercoaster Year for Viktor Axelsen
2025 has been a year of highs and lows for the Danish badminton titan Viktor Axelsen.
The former world number one (currently no. 9 as of June 10th 2025) started strong, picking up major titles early in the season but later faced an unexpected setback that sidelined him from competition for months.
Storming Into 2025 with Back-to-Back Wins
Axelsen kicked off the year with flair, claiming victory at the India Open in January after a dominant performance against Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu. It marked his third win at the event and his first since 2019.
Just weeks later, he secured his first ever German Open title, defeating the former world champion Loh Kean Yew in a polished final to notch his 27th BWF World Tour trophy.
All England Heartbreak Sparks Concerns
Despite his stellar form, Axelsen suffered a shock first round exit at the All England Open in March, losing to Taiwan’s Chun Yi Lin.
The unexpected defeat was followed by an announcement that he would take an extended break from the sport to recover physically, which raised questions about his long term fitness.
Back Injury Worsens, Surgery Follows
In April, Axelsen underwent back surgery in Germany. Initial reports were upbeat, but the reality proved more serious.
He was prescribed a six-week rest with no physical training and required to wear a supportive back brace. The setback forced a complete rethink of his 2025 campaign.
Holding His Place with a Protected Ranking
To preserve his elite status, Axelsen invoked the BWF’s protected ranking system, allowing him to enter future tournaments based on his pre-injury ranking.
The move ensures he can still compete in top-tier events even if his actual ranking slips during recovery.
Future in Flux: Paris Worlds and Beyond
With the World Championships in Paris looming around the corner in August, Axelsen’s participation remains uncertain.
He has yet to announce a comeback date, choosing instead to focus on a careful, thorough rehabilitation process that prioritizes long-term health over short-term returns.
Eyes on Olympic Glory in 2028
Though 2025 may be a rebuilding year, Axelsen has his sights set firmly on the future. His long-term goal? Without a doubt, a third Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Olympic Games, cementing his legacy as one of all time greatest in Badminton.