Viktor Axelsen doubtful for Denmark Open 2023 Round of 16 tie against Lee Zii Jia

The World No. 1 defeated compatriot Magnus Johannesen in the opening round.

World No.1 Viktor Axelsen might be potentially out of the Denmark Open 2023 due to an injury he sustained in his left leg. The home favorite might just call it quits before his impending match against Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia. Axelsen defeated countrymate Magnus Johannesen comfortably in straight games (21-7, 21-9) in the opening round.

However, speaking to the media after the match Viktor Axelsen said, "At this point there is a big chance that this match tomorrow is not going to happen. I have a big pain in my left leg, so something extraordinary needs to happen in order for me to be ready for tomorrow".

It goes without saying that Axelsen's exit could mar the appeal of the tournament. He is the local hero who has won many accolades for the country. The fans were yet again expecting a stellar performance from him after an easy first round outing. Meanwhile his withdrawal if it does happen, will turn the tournament wide open.

More so, it would also inadvertently increase the chances of his rivals especially someone like Anthony Sinisuka Ginting who is the second seed in the tournament.

Reflecting from the competition from the Indian end in the men's event, there is nothing left as both Lakshya Sen and Srikanth Kidambi have marked their untimely exit. Sen lost against Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen (21-16,21-18) and Kidambi against China's Weng Hongyang (19-21,21-10,21-16) in the first round respectively.

The women's contingent however are still in the fray. Two-time Olympic medalist, PV Sindhu, defeated WR-7 Mariska Tunjung and progressed to the quarterfinals while Aakarshi Kashyap is set to clash against Supanida Kathethong.

The defending Denmark Open champion Shi Yuqi is also in the midst of the hunt for his consecutive title win. It will be interesting to see who prevails in the end at Odense.