Rio Olympics bronze medallist Viktor Axelsen of Denmark is skipping the Indonesia Open in Jakarta (July 16-21) and the Japan Open (July 23-28) in Tokyo – on medical grounds.
The lanky Dane who shifted his training base to Dubai after being seriously affected by asthma and pollen allergy which forced him to skip the European Games.
However, “persistent pain” for several weeks, became a nightmare for Axelsen, who revealed on Twitter that he has been advised by medical specialists not to compete in any tournaments at the moment.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that I have been experiencing persistent pain in my leg for a few weeks now.
“After being assessed by multiple specialists I have been advised not to compete in any tournaments at this moment.
“Coming off asthma issues which prevented me from competing at the European games, I was extremely looking forward to back on match courts, especially competing in Jakarta and Tokyo which are two of my favorite cities.
“I am beyond disappointed and do not know how long I will be out. But don’t worry I will do all I can and come back as soon as possible, better and stronger than before.”
Axelsen won the bronze medal at the Rio Olympics by beating China’s Lin Dan in the playoff. He won the World Championships in 2017.
This year Axelsen won the India Open and the Spain Masters, He was runners-up in the All-England where he lost current World No 1 Kento Momota of Japan. Axelsen is currently ranked No 5 in the world rankings. RIZAL ABDULLAH
