Always dangerous to face Indians: Axelsen
NEWDELHI: The first thing Viktor Axelsen did after arriving in India in the wee hours of Sunday was put out a cheeky tweet about the traffic here.
“Back in India. Traffic is still smooth here,” wrote the Danish badminton star with emojis of laughter and vehicles in a traffic jam. “The traffic is crazy here. I was joking a little bit on Twitter. However, it’s nice to be back. Not long ago we were here for the Premier Badminton League (PBL). But everything is good. I am ready for India Open,” said the 25-year-old.
But it is not just the traffic which irks the 2017 World Champion. Axelsen is asthmatic and the air pollution caused him problems the last time he was here for the Premier Badminton League (PBL).
Seen entering the stadium wearing an anti-pollution mask, the 2017 India Open champion is taking no chances.
“I still have some asthma problems. When the weather isn’t ideal I have to protect myself in order to not have issues. During PBL I had issues but now it is better. But I still have to take care and have to stay mostly inside.”
The world No 4 has been in good form this year, reaching the semi-finals of two tournaments, winning Spain Masters and finishing as runner-up to World No 1 Japan’s Kento Momota in the All England Open final earlier this month, a marathon match Axelsen describes as his best yet.
“At All England I played my best match against Momota so far. I am slowly getting to my top level and there is still a way to go for me. You can only physically peak for most likely two, at most three times a year and the first was All England. Of course I am still riding that All England wave. Hopefully, the next time I really peak will be at the World Championships,” said Axelsen.
The 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallist is keen to win another world title in Basel this August, after winning the title in 2017. Axelsen is also one of the few players who have won both the world junior and senior titles.
Axelsen says that the demands of playing tournaments throughout the year takes a toll.
BUSY CALENDAR
“It is pretty hard to prepare the same way for every tournament now that we have these many,” he says. “I feel okay now but it is not my peak condition.”
Despite that, with the withdrawal of defending champion Shi Yuqi, second seed Axelsen is now the favourite to win the $350,000 India Open title this week. He reckons that his biggest hurdle will be the Indian players with their home advantage.
“The Indians are really competitive opponents,” he said. “They are doing really well. You always have to take care. I played Sameer (Verma) at All England and it was a tough match. It is always dangerous to face them.”
› I have asthma problems. When the weather isn’t ideal I have to protect myself in order to not have issues.
› On his health condition
I am still riding that All England wave. Hopefully, the next time I really peak will be at the BWF World Championships. On his next major target