After 12 years together, Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen called time on their partnership in a bittersweet farewell at the VICTOR Denmark Open 2024 in October.
Their final match, played on home turf against Japan’s Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, ended in front of a packed and emotional crowd at the Jyske Bank Arena. It marked the end of an era for one of Europe’s top women’s pairs, who had won three titles and competed at two Olympic Games.
Reflecting on the partnership that started in 2012 when they debuted at the Swedish Masters, Thygesen noted: “We are different as people and that’s a good thing. Sometimes it can be difficult to figure it out on court, but we’ve mainly been good at handling the different personality types between us. That’s the best part about it.”
Indeed, their differences on and off the court played a key role in their longevity. Fruergaard’s backcourt power perfectly complemented Thygesen’s aggressive net play.
Their first international title at the 2015 Belgian International was a sign of things to come as they continued to climb the rankings. Fruergaard explained: “Sara is a front court player, aggressive and really good in the service situation. Over the last 12 years, she’s been brilliant.”
They achieved a career-high of world No.14 in 2019 and reached the quarterfinals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games where they lost 21-7 21-12 to Matsuyama/Shida. It was a culmination of years of hard work, and despite the ups and downs leading up to the Games, the pair were ecstatic with how they performed.
“We are really proud of our mentality,” Thygesen said. “It was a big achievement to cross a tick on that event.”
Their Olympic performances, combined with numerous other tournaments – including appearances at the Uber Cup and Sudirman Cup – solidified their place among Denmark’s cult women’s pairs. In 2023, the duo added their final title together – the Irish Open – to their list of achievements.

Fruergaard and Thygesen brought down the curtain in the former’s hometown of Odense.
However, as time went on, the pair realised the end of their partnership was approaching.
“It’s because I’m getting old,” Thygesen jested.
“Sara is not going to play for many more years,” added her teammate. Fruergaard, on the other hand, is eager to continue playing with a different partner, Natasja Anthonisen. She has also featured in mixed doubles with Christian Faust Kjaer post-Denmark Open. “I want to try something new.”
Their last match on home soil was emotional but as Fruergaard explained, the focus was on the court itself. “In the morning I was happy, ready to play and take up the challenge against the Japanese girls. I forgot about it until the last shuttle fell.”
Matsuyama commented upon hearing the news: “They’ve been great rivals for us over the years. They certainly gave us some trouble on court. They have that quality.”
As Fruergaard prepares to move forward with a new partner, Thygesen plans to slow down, though not retire just yet. “I still want to be active, but maybe not seven days a week,” she laughed. “I have a plan but I don’t want to reveal it just yet.”
She has since won the Scottish Open with Dutchwoman Debora Jille.