Viktor Axelsen pulls out of Syed Modi International 2025: Reports

Axelsen last competed at French Open, where his campaign ended in the quarter-finals.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist Viktor Axelsen has reportedly withdrawn from the Syed Modi International 2025, extending a difficult year marked by injuries and fitness struggles.

The decision comes as little surprise to fans, following his earlier withdrawal from the Hylo Open in Germany for similar reasons. It was obvious that the Danish star will continue to manage his health carefully after competing in two consecutive tournaments with below par results.

Although he kicked off the 2025 season in outstanding form, claiming titles at the India Open and German Open, his first under new coach Peter Gade, Axelsen’s momentum was soon halted by recurring back problems.

In March, Axelsen suffered a first-round exit at the All England Open, later revealing that he had been battling back pain for several months and took a layoff for around five months.

After months of rehabilitation, the Danish star made his comeback in September at the Hong Kong Open, but was far from his best, losing in the first round 15–21, 7–21 while also recovering from a fever in the days prior to the event.

His form, however, gradually improved in October, as he managed to enter the semi-finals of the Denmark Open. But unfortunately, the home dream didn’t end as expected. Viktor lost his semi-final clash to China’s Shi Yu Qi in a tight three-game battle 19-21, 21-17, 17-21.

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A week later, Axelsen took part in the BWF French Open where he advanced to the quarter-finals. After a run to the quarter-finals, fellow compatriot Anders Antonsen handed him a 21-15, 17-21, 21-12 defeat in a match that lasted one hour and 29 minutes.

He was also expected to compete at the ongoing Hylo Open and had even announced his participation on social media but pulled out later. Days later, reports have emerged that the 31-year-old is also withdrawing from the Syed Modi India International, scheduled for November 25–30 in India.

In the past, Axelsen has only competed once at the Syed Modi International in 2015, where he lost in the semi-finals. India’s Parupalli Kashyap defeated the Danish with score of 18–21, 22–20, 21–7.

This year, it would have marked his second appearance at the tournament. However, now from Denmark Anders Axelsen is expected to make his debut in Lucknow.

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