Shock warning about Viktor Axelsen, doctor doubts comeback

Serious back injury behind long absence

Viktor Axelsen has not competed since October last year, when back problems once again forced him to stop playing.

According to TV 2 Sport, the absence is caused by a herniated disc that presses on a nerve and sends pain down his leg. The injury is the same type of issue that has troubled the Danish star in the past.

Neurosurgeon Morten Zebitz, who specializes in spinal surgery and has treated Viktor Axelsen several times before, said during TV 2 Sport’s coverage of the All England tournament that the situation is far from encouraging.

"It does not look super positive."

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He explained that the badminton star has been hit hard by another herniated disc on top of a long-standing strain on his back.

"He is badly affected by the back problem he has developed again, and it comes on top of the underlying back issue caused by the wear and tear he has built up over many years. I speak with him regularly. Without saying anything specific, it does not look optimistic right now."

The same injury has returned

The back problems also existed before the surgery Viktor Axelsen underwent last year.

After a surprising first-round defeat at the All England tournament in March 2025, the Dane decided to take a longer break from badminton. About a month later, he underwent back surgery.

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It took around six months before he could return to competition, but the comeback was short-lived. After only four tournaments, the 194-centimeter-tall player from Funen was forced to stop again.

According to Morten Zebitz, surgery for a herniated disc is never a guarantee that the problem will not return.

"It was encouraging that he managed to come back, but it is always serious."

The doctor also explained that even modern procedures with minimal surgical intervention can create new challenges.

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"There is no doubt that as soon as you operate on someone, you solve one problem, but you also slowly begin to create a new one."

Years of strain on his back

According to Morten Zebitz, Viktor Axelsen has actually been dealing with back issues for longer than many people outside the sport may realize.

"He has had a back problem for longer than many think. It is not something that has simply gone away."

That long-term strain also increases the risk that the issue could flare up again.

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Because of this, the doctor does not necessarily believe that another operation would be the best solution for the former world number one.

According to Zebitz, it is also important to consider life after elite sport.

"It comes from the perspective that he is at a point in life where life should eventually include something other than badminton, and it should include a lot of quality. Viktor has won a great many things. A lot."

He added that at some point it may become necessary to prioritize long-term health.

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"At some stage you have to make a decision about moving forward in the best possible way. That is where you must be careful not to push him into a situation where he cannot do the things he would like to do later in life."

Experts fear a future without Axelsen

The comments also raised concern in TV 2 Sport’s studio during its All England coverage.

Badminton expert Joachim Fischer reacted to the doctor’s assessment and said the situation could have major consequences for Danish badminton.

"We may be reaching a point where we do not necessarily see him on the court again."

At the same time, he stressed that Viktor Axelsen has already secured his place among the greatest players in the sport.

The Danish star has won two Olympic gold medals and has been one of the most dominant players in world badminton for several years.

Joachim Fischer also highlighted Axelsen’s life outside the court.

"He has two young daughters whom he loves very much, and he should also have the opportunity to take walks with them when he eventually stops."

At the same time, the expert emphasized that many still hope for a comeback.

"We all hope he returns. We know that if he could come back, he would still be very good."

Known for his strong mentality

Morten Zebitz has worked with Viktor Axelsen for several years and also highlighted the Danish star’s remarkable mentality.

According to the doctor, it is both a pleasure and a challenge to work with such a dedicated athlete.

"It is always fantastic to work with people who are so dedicated and emotional, because he is both. He is not a machine."

He explained that this strong determination can also make injury periods especially difficult for elite athletes.

"It is a great pleasure to work with people like that, but it is also a great challenge when things do not go well and the pain becomes so overwhelming that you cannot play anymore. Then the frustration comes. That is completely understandable."

According to TV 2 Sport, Viktor Axelsen has declined to comment on the situation and was not available for an interview.

Sources: TV 2 Sport