It was 22 January 2015 that Viktor Axelsen first broke into the top 10 of the BWF World Rankings.
A decade on, he is still there.
While rankings are but one measure of excellence, Axelsen’s decade-long (and counting) stint in the top 10 is testament to his hunger to be the best, his discipline, and his ability to overcome challenges. The most recent demonstration of these qualities came at last week’s YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2025, when, struggling with his physical condition (he said he was 60 per cent of his best), Axelsen nevertheless found a way to win his third title.
In a long post on Facebook, Axelsen referred to the challenges he’s faced over the years:
“The past 10 years have been filled with ups and downs. There have been times when everything went smoothly and according to plan, as well as times when I struggled with my game, motivation, or both. I’ve faced minor injuries, more significant injuries (including minor surgeries), the challenges of Covid, the joys of becoming a dad, relocating to a new country as a family, and setting up my own training with new coaches.
Axelsen ability to overcome challenges was a key strength
“While discussing everything that has happened in my career so far is a topic for another day, I often ponder why I’ve been able to achieve what I have. A few key points come to mind:
“Regardless of the situation or where I am in the world, I have consistently shown up and made the most of each day. From an early age, I realized that when I could look at myself in the mirror each night and honestly say that I did everything I could with the cards I was dealt, I would build momentum—even during tough times.
“I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends who want to see me succeed, just as I want to see them succeed. The people who supported me at the Olympics from the stands are the same individuals who were there for my first national competitions.
I focus on my own path rather than comparing myself to others. I always strive to determine what is right for me and commit fully to what I believe in. At the same time, I’ve learned the importance of being open to feedback from those trying to help me—a lesson I had to learn the hard way. The ability to handle constructive criticism is essential in my growth.
Experimenting with different training methods and ways of living is crucial, and while I’ve occasionally gone too far, I believe that if you genuinely want it, you will find your way.”
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