Danish badminton superstar Viktor Axelsen has set his sights on a triumphant return to the court at the YONEX All England Championships in March 2026, following a gruelling period dominated by injury and rehabilitation.
The Road to Recovery
The two-time Olympic champion's journey back to peak fitness has been arduous. After a shock first-round exit at the 2025 All England, Axelsen underwent significant back surgery. His competitive appearances since March have been limited to just five tournaments as he prioritised a full recovery.
"I'm not feeling super right now," Axelsen admitted candidly. "I still have a few issues with my body, but I am really fighting all I can in order to get back into tip-top shape." He described the physical challenges as a test, but recent performances indicate a promising return to the form that once saw him occupy the world number one spot for 132 consecutive weeks.
Pressure as a Privilege
During his time away, the 31-year-old gained a new appreciation for the pressures of elite sport. He cites a quote from Billie Jean King, "pressure is a privilege," as a driving philosophy. "Now, when I have been out of the game because of back surgery and injuries, I know that the pressure is something that I miss a lot," he revealed.
Axelsen acknowledges that the highest expectations come from within. "The biggest pressure is from myself, I set extremely high standards... I love it, it is what drives me." This self-imposed pressure now fuels his motivation for a successful comeback at one of the sport's most historic venues.
Momota: The Ultimate Rival
Reflecting on his career, Axelsen pinpointed retired Japanese legend Kento Momota as his toughest ever opponent. Their storied rivalry saw Momota lead their head-to-head record 14-4. A defining moment came in Axelsen's first All England final in 2019 at the Utilita Arena, where Momota, then top seed, triumphed in a tense three-set battle.
"I think Kento Momota was my toughest opponent. He beat me so many times," Axelsen stated. He credits those defeats with forging his champion mentality. "The thing I am most proud of is that I manage to take all those defeats and turn them into extreme motivation." This mindset helped him later secure All England titles in 2020 and 2022, and reach another final in 2021.
A Childhood Dream
For Axelsen, the All England Championships hold a unique, almost mythical status. "As a kid, I always dreamt of playing at the All England, and then winning the All England," he said. Having won it twice and contested four consecutive finals from 2019 to 2022, the tournament remains deeply personal.
He values the incredible atmosphere and the presence of his family in the crowd. "Besides the Olympics and the World Championships, the All England is the most important to win," he affirmed, highlighting its prestige as a former de facto world championship before the official event existed.
With his collection already boasting two world golds and three European titles, a third All England crown in Birmingham would be a poignant chapter in his comeback story and further cement his legacy among the sport's all-time greats.
