Viktor Axelsen - Badminton Player
and being able to spend a bit more time there than I did last time
looking forward to going there
London, so I’m I really like
INTERVIEW
players and coaches from other countries who started to pay a bit more attention to my matches after winning the World Junior Championships. I guess that’s natural and I’ll have to take it as a compliment.
You’re very tall (6ft 5in), has that aided in your development as a player. Is that much of an advantage
in badminton? Not necessarily, it depends. If you are able to control and move your long legs, then it can be an advantage, especially in the attacking aspects of the game. However, the other side of that is that you have to work harder on
Do you enjoy the travelling you get to do as a player? We’re guessing
Well the obvious answer is that it is much tougher as a senior player than a junior, but the actual transition is pretty much what I expected. Senior, professional level badminton is another game altogether - there are a lot of strong and experienced players on the senior tour; I guess it’s the depth that is another big difference. But you learn from every match, both losses and wins.
Even with the step up in standard have you found it easier now you don’t have homework to worry
about? Or do you still study? I’m still studying a few subjects so I’m I like to have something else besides badminton, and maybe that’ll help with my business! The homework isn’t that fun though...
There seems to be a lot of pressure on you already, are you OK with
that? Is it fair? problem. I see it as a good thing that people believe in me, but I don’t really think that much about it because there isn’t anything I can do to change it.
Are you looking forward to the London Grand Prix? How far do you
think you can go? Indeed, I can’t wait! It’s hard to say exactly how far I can go or putting any real expectations on it, but I hope to still be on court in the latter stages of the tournament. If I get there then I don’t have too much to lose.
And what about London itself, have
you visited before? Yeah, I spent a few days there during
the Olympic Games. I really like London, so I’m looking forward to going there and being able to spend a bit more time there than I did last time. Maybe if I don’t get to the latter stages I can see a bit more!
for the future? I’m dreaming about reaching the top of world badminton and to win medals at the big championships. major step will be to break into the top 15 and get some good wins on the tour. If I can keep winning then the rankings and tournament wins should take care of themselves.
After you won the junior world title did you notice a big difference in how you were treated? Were you
noticed more? Probably a bit, I think. If there was some, it was probably mostly from
you spend a lot of time in Asia? Yes I do. Some of the travelling is certainly more enjoyable than other places, but overall I’m really thankful for all the great experiences I get as a badminton player and I know I’m lucky to doing something I love and travelling the world for a living.
We spoke to Caroline Wozniacki in our last issue and asked her what to do if we visited Odense, she said “Egeskov Castle and the zoo” - would you agree? Anywhere else we
should head to? Yeah, they’re nice places. However I would recommend visiting H.C. Andersen’s house as well!
Great. You can show us round Odense and we’ll be tour guide
when you’re in London. It’s a deal!
Thanks Viktor. Thank you.
Best advice you’ve received? “Do what you want to do, not what others want you to.”
Closest friend in badminton? Mette and Rasmus from Odense Badminton Club.
Most admired opponent? Lin Dan (China) Sporting hero? André Agassi. Favourite food? Sushi! Worst habit? Biting nails when nervous. What team/s do you support? Odense Football Club. If we gave you £10 to spend right now, what would you buy? A sunscreen lotion, so I won’t show up looking like a red shrimp at the London Grand Prix!
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