Day two at the Swiss Open 2021 brought about different emotions for different players. Some were satisfied with their play, and some found out the hard way that they are not at 100 per cent.
Viktor Axelsen, a key component of Denmark’s gold medal-winning team at the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships two weeks ago, got off to a good start in Switzerland.
At the first major tournament he won back in 2014, Axelsen had some nice exchanges with Jason Anthony Ho-Shue, before showing what he can do in the second game.
-I think Ho-Shue played really well in the first game and had some really good shots, and I was moving a little bit slow maybe. I am really happy that I managed to step up in the second game and felt pretty okay and moved okay also, so all in all a good first round here.
Axelsen won 21-17, 21-7. At one point, Axelsen overturned a line call that went in his favour. Asked if this kind of sportsmanship is important to have in our sport, Axelsen stated.
-Yeah, I think so. It was well out, so it would have been a little bit unfair if I got that point.
The world number two and top seed here at the Swiss Open has been showing some high-level shots on the backhand, some of the hardest in the game.
-I think the shot that you are referring to is the reverse slice. It is actually a shot I mainly worked on for fun. You have to be pretty confident before you hit that shot. It's not something that I am going to do at 20-20, Axelsen said jokingly.
After the first match this week, Axelsen feels good.
-Most importantly I feel that my body is working at an optimal level. My physical preparation coach [Sean Casey] has written up some cool programs so to see them paying off is nice.
Feeling not so good on court
Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen is one of Europe’s brightest young talents. Six weeks ago he had a significant blow to his professional career, having to recover from COVID-19. Playing against Khosit Phetpradab was always going to be a tough match.
However, Nguyen flew away with the opening game and was in the lead in the second. It looked like he was going to gain a comfortable victory over a top-class player. Then Nguyen started to feel that his lungs were not quite right.
-In the second game, my fitness and mental focus kind of deteriorated and playing a player like him, he capitalised and took advantage. He did good staying in the game when things were not going well for him.
It was clear that Nguyen was not 100 per cent, something that he admits he did not test fully in training, as he was not going all out. The match flipped on its head and the Thai player ran away with the match 12-21, 21-17, 21-8.
Nguyen although has some positives to take away from the way he bossed the match in the first half.
-In the first game and up to 11 in the second I think I was the better player, but he’s been playing at a high level for so many years. You live and learn and I’ll come back!
Viktor Axelsen will now play Khosit Phetpradab in the second round.
Remember that you can follow the action from the Swiss Open on all of Badminton Europe’s platforms.