Viktor Axelsen is targeting a strong return to the YONEX All England Championships after undergoing back surgery earlier this year. The two-time champion lost in the first round in 2025 before taking time away for the procedure and rehabilitation. Since March, the Dane has played in only five tournaments as he searches for consistency, but recent results suggest he is rediscovering the form that made him a double Olympic champion.
“I’m not feeling super right now,” Axelsen admitted. “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. It seems like somebody is testing me a little bit when it comes to the physical part of things.” He added that he is hoping to play good badminton at the All England in March, a tournament he describes as “very meaningful” and “extremely special” due to its history.
The 31-year-old has been on the podium at the All England several times, winning in 2020 and 2022, and reaching the final in 2019 and 2021. He credits his rivalry with Japan’s Kento Momota, who retired in 2024, as a major influence. “He beat me so many times, and I had a very hard time dealing with his play style,” Axelsen said. “The thing I am most proud of is that I manage to take all those defeats and turn them into extreme motivation.”
Axelsen also reflected on the pressure of competing at the highest level, quoting Billie Jean King: “Pressure is a privilege.” He said, “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 added that the biggest pressure comes from himself, but it drives him forward.
The Dane, who has been world number one for 132 consecutive weeks, is determined to add a third All England title to his collection, which already includes two world gold medals and three European titles. “As a kid, I always dreamt of playing at the All England, and then winning the All England,” he said. “Besides the Olympics and the World Championships, the All England is the most important to win.”
Tickets for the 2026 YONEX All England Championships, taking place in Birmingham from 3-8 March, are now on sale via Badminton England.
