Copenhagen: Following the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the BWF World Tour is set to resume, starting with the Super 750 Japan Open in Yokohama next week. However, the two-time Olympic gold medalist Viktor Axelsen from Denmark has announced that he still needs time to rest and recover after the Olympics, and has decided to withdraw from the tournament.
After winning his second consecutive Olympic gold in Paris, Axelsen shared in an Instagram story saying that due to the physical and mental strain as a result of preparing for the Olympics, his body had reached its limits. For the sake of his health, he has decided to withdraw from the Japan Open.
Despite not competing, Axelsen reassured his fans: “Although I won’t be playing, I will still be in Japan to meet everyone. See you then!”
Axelsen, who won the Japan Open title last year, was aiming for his third championship in the tournament. With his decision to withdraw, he officially gave up the chance to defend his title.