Viktor Axelsen out until mid-June with hamstring injury

The World No. 1 men's singles player is expected to miss at least the next four tournaments in the BWF World Tour.

In the match between Malaysia and Denmark in the quarter-final of the Sudirman Cup 2023, World Champion Viktor Axelsen had to retire early against Lee Zii Jia when the scores read 4-4. The Olympic champion was struggling and had issues with his thigh and was not able to walk properly due to which he had to forfeit the match.

This was a huge blow to Denmark, as the men's singles match was crucial for the team in order to have a chance to win the tie after losing the first match in three games. In the end, Asian heavyweights Malaysia won the tie 3-1.

The WR 1 did not take part in the second and third group stage matches after winning in the opening match (against Loh Kean Yew of Singapore).

After the match, Viktor through his Twitter handle gave an update on the injury stating “The MRI scan I went through yesterday showed what we expected, which is a muscle strain in my left hamstring. I’m therefore not able to be on the court for the next time being and will miss the next few tournaments.

"I’m taking one day at a time and I’m looking forward to start working my way back to full speed again. I want to thank the doctors, volunteers and everyone around the Danish Team who helped to get everything checked yesterday, and all of you for your support and encouragement."

Subsequently, he put up a picture of his left thigh heavily strapped. The injury would prevent Viktor Axelsen from competing at least till the Indonesia Open (scheduled for June). The qualification cycle for Paris Olympic Games has already begun and the Denmark athlete will miss out on a few major tournaments from the Asian leg.