The men's singles world champion from 2017, Viktor Axelsen, has announced that he will not attend the World Championships in Switzerland due to a back injury.
Unfortunately, badminton fans from all over the world do not get to see one of the biggest names in the sport in St. Jakobshalle, when the World Championships will take place on 19-25 August.
Viktor Axelsen has announced his frustrations and sadness via Badminton Denmark, and it is fair to say, it is an important decision, in terms of his future.
- I'm really sad and sorry for the situation. The World Championships is the biggest event of the year and of course, I was looking forward to playing. I have done everything I could to get ready for the World Championships, but I also must be realistic and listen to my body and the doctors' advice, Viktor Axelsen says.
Disc protrusion
The 25-year-old Axelsen has had a tough summer with allergies that kept him out of the European Games in June, and his back injury, which also made it impossible for him to attend the Indonesia Open and Japan Open in July.
Viktor Axelsen's injury is a disc protrusion in his back, which is a precursor to a disc prolapse that causes back and leg pain.
Devastating today but not disastrous tomorrow
Jens Meibom, the Sports Chief of Badminton Denmark, has revealed to Badminton Europe, that it is a sad but right decision.
- It is not a very good situation since Viktor was our main medal potential player, Meibom explained.
- We have known about his circumstances for a while, so we knew that it was a possibility. But, on the other hand, we need to listen to our medical teams and doctors: he is not ready to play yet.
Meibom is “not” concerned about Axelsen’s career
The Sports Chief is confident that Axelsen can come back from yet another setback:
- Now, the goal is to get ready for the tournaments in the fall, at the beginning of the Olympic Qualification, which is very important for Viktor, Meibom said.
- I am not deeply concerned about Viktor’s career, but obviously we need to take care of this injury in the proper manner, Meibom said.
Viktor Axelsen was seeded five at the World Championships.