Viktor Axelsen Crashes Out From First Round Of Hong Kong Open

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Posted by AI on 2025-09-10 19:28:59 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-10 21:39:58

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Disappointment for Danish star Viktor Axelsen as he crashes out of the Hong Kong Open in the first round, failing to live up to high expectations after his World Championships victory.

Recently crowned World Champion Viktor Axelsen suffered a surprising early exit from the Hong Kong Open on Tuesday, losing to Chinese qualifier Zhao Junpeng in the first round.

The Dane, who had won the World Championships title in Tokyo last month, struggled from the start of his match and never found his footing against Zhao, who played with great discipline to take the match 21-17, 21-15 in 46 minutes. It was Zhao's first win in seven meetings with Axelsen.

This result comes as a huge shock, given Axelsen's stellar season capped by his World Champs gold medal. The Danish star had shown some signs of his formidable form earlier in the day during his opening mixed doubles match with teammate Kamilla Rytter Juhl, helping them to a straight-games victory.

But Axelsen couldn't find the same momentum in his singles match, making a high number of unforced errors and struggling particularly with his net play. Zhao, meanwhile, executed his gameplan effectively, consistently pushing Axelsen to the baseline and forcing the Dane to play an uncomfortable shot or make an error.

Despite the surprising result, Axelsen's performance in Hong Kong, particularly in his mixed doubles event, reinforces his stellar season and his status as one of the sport's elite players.

The Dane will next continue his comeback next week at the China Masters in Canton, where he will be the top seed.

All eyes will be on him to see if he can regain his world champion form against the backdrop of intense Chinese competition.

Go!