World No. 1 Viktor Axelsen pulls out from Singapore Open 2024

Viktor Axelsen was scheduled to take on Li Shi Feng in the semifinals.

Danish badminton player Viktor Axelsen has withdrawn from the Singapore Open 2024, a Super 750 tournament, due to an ankle injury. The world number one had suffered the injury during his second-round match against Lin Chu Yi, which he won 21-16, 14-21, 21-16.

Axelsen, who recently won the Malaysia Masters by defeating Lee Zii Jia, had been performing well at the Singapore Open, overcoming challenges from players like Lakshya Sen, Lin Chun-yi, and Leong Jun Hao. However, the ankle injury has forced him to pull out of the tournament hours before his semi-final clash against China’s Li Shi Feng.

The Danish star initially felt only slight soreness the day after the incident but woke up the following morning with increased pain. After consulting with the medical team, Axelsen was advised to rest his ankle, making it impossible for him to compete in the Singapore Open.

Axelsen took to X (Formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Hi everyone During my 2nd round I made a small rollover on my right ankle. initially, I felt fine and yesterday it was nothing but a bit of soreness. However, this morning I woken up with increasing pain and after consulting with the medical team I have been advised to rest my ankle and will therefore not be able to step on court today.”

Axelsen, who was primed to take on World no #6 and Asian Games gold medalist Li Shifeng in the semifinals further apologized to his Singaporean fans and thanked them for their support. He remains hopeful about recovering in time for the upcoming Indonesia Open next week.

“It’s very disappointing as I would love to continue my run here. Sorry to all the Singaporean badminton fans, and thanks for your support! See you next year! I will try to get ready for the Indo Open next week,” Axelsen said.

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