Viktor Axelsen Crashes Out From First Round Of Hong Kong Open

Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 23:38 IST

Viktor Axelsen will continue his comeback next week at the China Masters.

This was Viktor Axelsen's first competitive match in six months. (AFP Photo)

Reigning two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen was eliminated in the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Wednesday, as his much-awaited comeback failed to impress.

In his first competitive match in six months following back surgery, the Danish former world number one was decisively defeated in straight games by Japan’s Kodai Naraoka.

The fifth-seeded Naraoka dominated Axelsen 21-15, 21-7 in just 37 minutes.

Aside from being out of practice, the 31-year-old Axelsen had been battling a fever leading up to his return to competition.

“It was nice to get out there again but I wish I enjoyed it more," Axelsen stated, as quoted by badminton’s global governing body, the BWF.

He was “visibly emotional" after the match, the BWF’s website reported.

Axelsen added: “There’s been a lot of unfortunate events — getting sick last week, not being able to practise and still trying to push through.

“I set very high standards for myself so performing at what I’d consider a relatively low level is hard to accept."

The swift defeat marked Axelsen’s first loss to the Japanese player in seven encounters.

Axelsen, who will continue his comeback next week at the China Masters, found at least one positive aspect.

“I don’t have much pain in my back," he noted.

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

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