KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen is determined to come back stronger after illness forced him to withdraw midway through his second-round match at the Denmark Open in Odense last week.
The Danish star revealed on his X account that he had already begun feeling unwell a day before his clash with Frenchman Alex Lanier on Oct 17.
World No. 2 Axelsen conceded the match while trailing 21-19, 11-7.
"After my first-round match on Tuesday, I had a rough night. I felt sick and uncomfortable. I tried my best to recover and get myself in a state to play," Axelsen posted.
"However, once I started playing, my heart rate increased, and I began to feel very uncomfortable. There was nothing I could do to manage it.
"It's unfortunate as I love playing at home in Odense with such fantastic support. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came out to support me.
"This is hopefully just a minor virus, and I expect to recover quickly. I'll see you all again soon."
Axelsen, 30, has dealt with injuries and illness throughout his stellar career.
He showed immense resilience after testing positive for Covid-19 during the 2021 European Championships.
Just a month later, in Tokyo, he claimed the Olympic title.
Given his track record, it wouldn't be a surprise if Axelsen bounces back quickly to compete in the Super 500 Kumamoto Masters in Japan from Nov 12-17.