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[Saba Sports News] With the official registration list for the 2026 All England Badminton Open finalized, a shocking announcement has emerged in the badminton community—two-time Olympic men’s singles champion and Danish badminton star Viktor Axelsen has confirmed he will not participate. The All England Open, a Super 1000 event sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation, boasts a total prize money of $1.45 million and is a crucial points battleground in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Olympics, making it a highly competitive event among top players. Previously, Axelsen had clearly stated his plans to attempt a return to the court in March 2026 at the All England Open. His sudden absence shatters the expectations of fans and raises concerns about his physical condition to an all-time high.
Notably, the ranking protection Axelsen had previously been using is set to expire before the All England Open, meaning that even if he chooses to return later, he will have to start competing from lower-tier events.
The editor believes that the 32-year-old Axelsen has passed his career peak. Long-term injuries, aging, and the maturation of his rivals have continuously eroded his competitiveness. His decision to forgo this critical event may be a sign that he is preparing for retirement.