Axelsen Battles Back for Opening Victory at India Open
Danish badminton star Viktor Axelsen kicked off his 2025 season with a hard-fought victory at the India Open, overcoming a first-set deficit to defeat Taiwan’s Yu Jen Chi. The reigning Olympic champion showcased his resilience and tactical prowess, ultimately prevailing 16-21, 21-11, 21-13.
the match proved to be a test of Axelsen’s mettle. He initially struggled to find his rhythm against Yu’s aggressive play, allowing the Taiwanese player to take the opening set comfortably. As reported by TV2 Sport, frustration was evident in Axelsen’s demeanor, prompting him to make crucial adjustments to his tempo and strategy.
The second set saw a revitalized Axelsen. He ramped up the intensity, dictating the pace and dominating the rallies to secure a decisive 21-11 victory. This momentum carried into the third set, where Axelsen maintained his control, ultimately sealing the match with a 21-13 win.
This comeback victory underscores Axelsen’s status as one of the world’s elite badminton players. He now advances to the round of 16, where he will face a tough challenge from Indonesia’s Jia Heng Jason Teh.
Axelsen’s performance is a promising start to what he hopes will be another accomplished year on the international circuit.
Simultaneously occurring, other Danish players experienced mixed fortunes at the India Open. Top-ranked doubles pair Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup suffered a surprising first-round defeat against a South Korean duo, while world number 30 Rasmus Gemke bowed out after a closely contested three-set battle against china’s Lu Guangzu.
With Axelsen carrying the Danish flag, all eyes will be on his next match as he seeks to build momentum and establish himself as a frontrunner in the early stages of the 2025 season.
Axelsen’s Grit: A Chat with Badminton Legend Peter Gade
Viktor Axelsen’s opening match victory at the India Open was anything but easy. The reigning Olympic champion found himself trailing after the first set against Taiwan’s Yu Jen Chi, but battled back to secure a hard-fought win.
To break down this extraordinary comeback,we sat down with Danish badminton legend,Peter Gade. A former world number one and Olympic medalist himself, Gade knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity on the court.
Moderator: Peter, what were your initial thoughts when you saw Axelsen drop the first set?
Peter Gade: It wasn’t unexpected, to be honest. Yu Jen Chi is a talented player, known for his aggressive style. Axelsen is used to dictating pace,so finding himself behind against someone who forces him on the defensive is always a challenge.
Moderator: Axelsen seemed visibly frustrated at times during that first set. Did you see it as a sign of weakness, or a sign of someone truly dedicated to winning?
peter Gade: I wouldn’t call it weakness. Viktor is a fierce competitor, and he expects a lot from himself. That kind of frustration often drives him to analyze, adjust, and come back stronger.
Moderator: And that’s exactly what he did in the second and third sets. What do you think allowed Axelsen to turn the tide so dramatically?
Peter Gade: It was a combination of factors. He started to read Yu’s game better, anticipating his shots and dictating the pace more effectively. You could see him settling into his rhythm, playing more aggressively himself, and forcing Yu into making mistakes.
Moderator: This win is a great start to what Axelsen hopes will be another big year. Where do you see him fitting in among the world’s elite in 2025?
Peter Gade: Viktor is undoubtedly one of the top players in the world. He has the talent, the experience, and the mental fortitude to challenge for any title. But badminton is a sport full of surprises, and there are many talented young players coming up.
Moderator: Speaking of young players, we saw some mixed fortunes for othre Danish players at the India Open.What are your thoughts on the future of Danish badminton?
Peter Gade: Danish badminton is in good hands.While some veterans may be experiencing ups and downs, there are several young talents emerging who are showing real promise.The future looks shining.
Moderator: for our readers, what advice woudl you give to aspiring badminton players who want to compete at the highest level?
Peter Gade: Encourage dedication, hard work, and a love for the game. It takes years of commitment and unwavering belief in yourself to reach the top. Encourage them to embrace the challenges, learn from their mistakes, and never give up on their dreams.
What are your thoughts on Viktor Axelsen’s comeback victory? Let us know in the comments below! Do you think he can maintain this momentum and dominate the badminton scene in 2025?
