It wasn’t exactly the outcome he dreamed of but the result is there: Alex Lanier shook hands with Viktor Axelsen as the winner, Thursday, in the round of 16 of the Danish Open (Super 750). The Frenchman (world No. 21) did not even have to win two sets: his Danish opponent (No. 2) threw in the towel in the middle of the second round, when he had been overcome with nausea for a few points earlier (21-19, 11-7). “It’s not the nicest way to win, but a victory is a victory”still appreciated the Norman.
The two-time Olympic champion may have been defeated by a virus, but he was also felled by Lanier, who had won the first set and showed no signs of weakening. The Frenchman did not get off to the best start in this meeting, but he was able to adjust his tactics by avoiding excessive power play. Precise at the net and efficient in defense, he opted for the variation and was then able to race in the lead. “I felt good physically and I could see pretty well what was happening on the pitch”he said later.
