Viktor Axelsen withdraws from India Open 2024 due to health concerns

Viktor Axelsen earlier played Malaysia Open

In a surprising turn of events, world number one Viktor Axelsen has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming India Open 2024. The badminton tournament, set to commence in Delhi on January 16, will miss the presence of the Danish star who has been a dominant force in men’s singles over the past few years.

Axelsen, who started his season at the Malaysia Open earlier this month, cited health concerns as the reason for his withdrawal. After a grueling semifinal match against China’s Shi Yi Qui in Kuala Lumpur, Axelsen took to social media to announce his decision. He expressed disappointment at not being able to participate in the India Open, a tournament he has enjoyed playing in the past.

Hi all,After my match on Saturday I’ve been laying in bed Ill and after talking with the medical team present here in Malaysia, I’ve been advised to get additional checkup. That means that I unfortunately won’t be able to travel and be present at India Open this year, which is…

— Viktor Axelsen (@ViktorAxelsen) January 15, 2024

Axelson Wrote “Hi all, after my match on Saturday I’ve been laying in bed ill and after talking with the medical team present here in Malaysia, I’ve been advised to get an additional checkup. That means that I unfortunately won’t be able to travel and be present at the India Open this year, which is rather disappointing as it has been a tournament where I’ve loved to play in front of the Indian badminton fans.”

The 30-year-old’s withdrawal means that Wang Tzu Wei of Chinese Taipei gets a walkover in the first round.

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The India Open, which was elevated to a Super 750 event in 2023, has always posed a challenge for the local players. In the 2022 tournament, Satwik-Chirag and Lakshya Sen secured men’s doubles and men’s singles titles respectively. This year, the focus will be on HS Prannoy, Lakshya Sen, and Kidambi Srikanth in the men’s singles category.

Prannoy and Sen, who were eliminated in the first round in Kuala Lumpur, are expected to make a comeback and regain their form swiftly.

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