The badminton world is buzzing with excitement as two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen is set to make his long-awaited return to the court at the upcoming Li-Ning Hong Kong Open. The Super 500 tournament, a key stop on the BWF World Tour, will be held from September 9 to 14, 2025, at the iconic Hong Kong Coliseum. Axelsen’s participation marks his first competitive appearance since undergoing back surgery in April, a procedure to address a persistent back problem.
The Danish superstar, who has been training in his Dubai base, had to withdraw from several major tournaments, including the recent World Championships, to focus on his recovery. His return is a testament to the organizers of the Hong Kong Open, who have successfully secured the presence of one of the sport’s biggest drawcards. As the South China Morning Post reported, the organizers have “staged a coup” by persuading Axelsen to defend his title.
Last year, the towering Dane broke his Hong Kong duck, winning the men’s singles title for the first time by defeating China’s Lei Lanxi in a dominant performance. This year’s event is set to be a significant test for his fitness and form, as he enters the draw as a non-seeded player. His path to the final is anything but easy, with a blockbuster first-round clash against the tournament’s number three seed, Taiwanese star Chou Tien-chen.
The men’s singles draw for the 2025 Hong Kong Open is exceptionally loaded. The home charge will be led by world No. 13 and 2019 champion Lee Cheuk Yiu, along with fan favorite Angus Ng Ka Long, who made history as the first home winner in 2016, and last year’s quarter-finalist Jason Gunawan.
The return of a player of Axelsen’s stature adds a dramatic storyline to the tournament. His decision to defend his Hong Kong Open title despite his non-seeding status shows his confidence and determination to return to the top of the men’s singles rankings. His first-round match against a formidable opponent like Chou Tien-chen promises to be a thrilling encounter, serving as an immediate litmus test for his recovery and form.