The reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen has confirmed that he will return to action at the Hong Kong Open after enjoying a sabbatical following his successful gold medal quest at the Paris Olympics earlier this month. The world No. two took to ‘X’, formerly Twitter to announce his return to the court.
“My plan as of now is to play Hong Kong Open and China Open as the next two tournaments btw,” posted Axelsen on X.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist skipped the recently concluded Japan Open Super 750 tournament to manage his workload after an energy-sapping Paris Olympics. Axelsen will also miss the Super 500 Korea Open (August 27- September 1) and the Super 300 Taipei Open (September 3 to September 8) before the start of the Hong Kong Open on September 10.
The Hong Kong Open is a Super 500 tournament and will run till September 15. It will be followed by the Super 1000 China Open. The China Open is slated to be organized in Changzhou from September 17 onwards and will conclude on September 22.
Notably, the 30-year-old was unstoppable at the Summer Games as he didn’t drop a single game and went all the way to defend his title.
He experienced a bit of a stutter in the semi-final against India’s Lakshya Sen but eventually managed to hold his nerves and march into the finals. Contrary, to the semifinal Axelsen had a walk in the park in the summit clash where he overpowered the reigning world No. one Kunlavut Vitidsarn to clinch his second-consecutive gold medal.
Axelsen had also responded to his comparison with the Chinese legend Lin Dan after his feat in Paris, “For me, he is the GOAT and I’m just very happy and proud to be, in Olympic terms, on the same level. But in my eyes, he stands as the best ever.”
In an exciting turn of events, the reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen has officially declared his comeback to the badminton circuit, with the much-anticipated Hong Kong Open 2024 marking his return. In the wake of his triumph at the Paris Olympics, Axelsen had taken a short hiatus to recharge and refocus. However, he has now enthusiastically announced his participation in the upcoming Hong Kong Open and China Open tournaments, signifying his zeal to continue his winning streak.
Having opted out of the Japan Open Super 750 to prioritize recovery post the Paris Olympics, Axelsen’s strategic approach towards managing his physical exertion highlights his prudence and long-term vision for sustaining top-level performance. With his absence from the Korea Open and Taipei Open, the badminton world is abuzz with anticipation for his electric return at the Hong Kong Open, scheduled to commence on September 10.
The Hong Kong Open, recognized as a Super 500 tournament, is poised to be a thrilling event extending until September 15, paving the way for the subsequent Super 1000 China Open, set to unfold in Changzhou from September 17 to September 22. Axelsen’s confirmed participation has sent ripples of excitement through the sport, as fans eagerly await the prospect of witnessing his unparalleled athleticism and unwavering determination on the court once more.
Axelsen’s stellar performance at the Summer Games showcased his exceptional prowess, culminating in a flawless defense of his Olympic title. Notably, his resilient display in the face of adversity during the semi-final against Lakshya Sen from India underscored his fortitude, ultimately culminating in a resounding victory in the finals against Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the reigning world No. one.
The badminton maestro’s remarkable achievements have elicited comparisons to the legendary Lin Dan, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport. Axelsen’s humility in acknowledging Lin Dan’s status as the greatest of all time while expressing his pride in being mentioned in the same breath demonstrates his reverence for the sport’s legacy and his unwavering commitment to his own journey of excellence.
As the badminton fraternity eagerly anticipates Axelsen’s return to the heart-stopping action, the Hong Kong Open 2024 stands poised to be a marquee event, spotlighting the triumphant comeback of a true champion and icon of the sport.