Viktor Axelsen’s Ranking Slump Deepens After China Masters; Back Injury Persists
Doubles Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen is grappling with a prolonged slump following a long injury break, with his world ranking dipping to a 13-year low. The 31-year-old Dane, once the world’s best in badminton, finds himself ranked 30th, his lowest since 2012.
ray of Hope in China Masters
The journey to recovery took a slight turn for the better last week at the China Masters. Unlike his early exit in Hong Kong, Axelsen registered a win in Shenzhen before succumbing to Frenchman Alex Lanier in the round of 16.
“How it is actually about his physical condition remains questionable…”
– BADZINE.de 2025
Back Injury Resurfaces
Despite the marginal progress, Axelsen’s back injury continued to trouble him in the match against Lanier. The persistent ailment may suggest that the Dane’s road to recovery will be longer and bumpier than initially hoped.
World Ranking in Freefall
On Tuesday, the Badminton World Federation released the latest rankings, placing Axelsen in 30th position – a slide of 12 places over just two weeks. The once-normandy #17, Rasmus Gemke, is now ahead of him, illustrating Axelsen’s plummet from dominance.
The disconcerting drop leaves Axelsen’s future tournament appearances uncertain. Upcoming events like the Arctic Open in Finland, and the Denmark and French Opens may not guarantee him a spot in the main draw due to his current ranking.
Fixating on Finland and Beyond
A glimmer of hope on the horizon is the Arctic Open in October. Post that, Axelsen can target the Denmark Open and the French Open, potentially launching a comeback effort. However, with his ranking continuing to nosedive, doubts linger about his inclusion in the main draws.
Did you know?
- Viktor Axelsen’s previous lowest ranking was #17 in October 2012.
- He won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics despite his injuries.
Pro Tip: Keep tabs on Axelsen’s progress this fall. His performances at upcoming tournaments could dictate his future trajectory in the sport.