Viktor Axelsen, World No. 1 in Badminton, Shockingly Defeated at French Open 2024

Leon To

Sun Mar 10 2024

Viktor Axelsen
Wang Tzu Wei
French Open 2024
upsets in sports
Magnus Johannesen
Shi Yu Qi
Kunlavut Vitidsarn
Lin Chun-Yi
men's singles

The top-ranked badminton player in the world, Viktor Axelsen, faced a surprising loss in the men's singles round 2 at the 2024 French Open against Wang Tzu Wei. The unexpected defeat left the badminton community in awe, as Axelsen was considered a formidable force on the court.

Axelsen, hailing from Denmark, found himself trailing 10-1 early in the match, indicating a shaky start. His usual sharpness and precision seemed lacking, with errors creeping into his game. Despite his efforts to rally in the second game after falling behind 1-8, Wang Tzu Wei's relentless play sealed the victory in his favor.

Wang Tzu Wei, reflecting on his historic win, acknowledged Axelsen's strength but emphasized his own determination to succeed. The Taiwanese shuttler capitalized on Axelsen's mistakes and never let up, clinching the match with confidence. Axelsen, on the other hand, expressed disappointment in his performance, feeling uncertain about the factors that led to his subpar display on the court.

In other match results at the French Open, Magnus Johannesen's impressive run was halted by Shi Yu Qi, while Kunlavut Vitidsarn showcased resilience to overcome Lin Chun-Yi in a thrilling three-set battle, securing a spot in the quarterfinals.

Viktor Axelsen's unexpected loss at the 2024 French Open has sent shockwaves through the badminton world, raising questions about his form and preparation. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate more exciting matchups and upsets in the quest for glory on the badminton court.