All England Open : Viktor Axelsen pulls out due to ankle injury

After starting the year on a high with a win at the Malaysia masters, Axelsen has been through a terrible patch so far. A recurring ankle injury has forced the World number 1 to pull out of various tournaments this year. It started with the second round match in the Indonesia Open, which was extended also made him pull out of the Indian Open and the European Team Championships.

Now, the injury has added yet another tournament to his list of as he had to bow out of the All England Open, which is scheduled to start in Birmingham from March 14. 

“It’s too big a risk for me to play the All England Open. I won’t be able to make it in time and be fit. I was told by doctors after surgery that I have to play safe and take care of my body. So it is a big disappointment because I love playing in Birmingham, so it is tough,” said a disappointed Axelsen, reported PTI. 

The Danish player had a dream 2017 when he won the World Championship and retained the Dubai Super Series Final, before winning the Japan Open and India Open.