Axelsen Withdraws from Malaysia Open and Indonesia Masters

The 2026 BWF World Tour season will begin without one of its biggest stars. Viktor Axelsen, the two-time Olympic champion, has confirmed his withdrawal from the season-opening Petronas Malaysia Open 2026 (Super 1000) and the Daihatsu Indonesia Masters 2026 (Super 500) as he continues to battle persistent back injuries.

The announcement comes as a blow to badminton fans hoping to see the Danish ace return to dominance in the new year. Axelsen confirmed to TV 2 Sport that the decision was made to prioritize his long-term health, citing the recurrence of the same back issues that necessitated surgery earlier in 2025.

A Struggle for Fitness

Axelsen’s 2025 season was defined by a grueling battle for fitness. Following back surgery in April, he spent months in rehabilitation before making his competitive return in September. While he managed appearances at the Victor Denmark Open and Yonex French Open, his comeback was far from smooth.

The tail end of the year saw the World No. 1 struggling to maintain momentum. He was forced to retire from the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2025 in November and subsequently withdrew from the Sathio Group Australia Open 2025, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season.

“It’s disappointing,” Axelsen told TV 2 Sport. “But I have to listen to my body. These are the same issues that led to the surgery in April, and I cannot rush this process if I want to compete at the highest level again.”

The Asian Leg Impact

Axelsen’s absence significantly reshuffles the draw for the opening “Asian Leg” of the 2026 tour.

• Malaysia Open (Jan 6–11): As a Super 1000 event, this tournament offers the highest ranking points. Axelsen’s withdrawal leaves the men’s singles field wide open for rivals like Shi Yu Qi, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and home favorite Lee Zii Jia.
• Indonesia Masters (Jan 20–25): Often a grueling test of stamina at the famous Istora Senayan, the Super 500 event will also miss Axelsen’s presence.

Road to Recovery

Despite the setback, Axelsen remains optimistic. His team has indicated that there is no fixed timeline for his return, emphasizing that he will only step back onto the court when he is 100% ready to endure the rigors of the tour.

“We wish him the best on his recovery and will eagerly await his return once he’s ready,” a statement from his camp read.

For now, the badminton world turns its eyes to Kuala Lumpur for the January 6th kickoff, where a new champion will inevitably rise in Axelsen’s absence.