Source:Sipa USA /SOPA Images
[Saba Sports News] The future prospects for former world No. 1 badminton player Viktor Axelsen to return to the court appear bleak. His attending physician, Morten Zebitz, the head of the neurosurgery and spine department at Aalborg University Hospital, revealed that Axelsen has a new herniated disc in his back, compounded by years of wear and tear. Although he could not disclose specific details, the situation is concerning. Considering Axelsen’s life after retirement, he is not encouraged to undergo another surgery. After being forced to withdraw from the competition last October, this two-time Olympic champion has yet to return to the court, facing a severe test in his career. After an unexpected first-round exit at the All England Open Badminton Championships in March 2025, Axelsen announced he would take a longer break. About a month later, he underwent back surgery. Despite returning to the court after six months of recovery, the joy was short-lived. After participating in four tournaments, his physical condition collapsed again. Since last October, Axelsen has not appeared on the court.
The editor believes that repeated disc herniation is a structural injury with high risks for a second surgery, while conservative treatment is limited in effectiveness. Even if he manages to return, Axelsen will be unable to maintain high-intensity competition, and his condition will not be restored to championship level, making it difficult to re-enter the world’s top 10 in the short term.