Viktor Axelsen: "I fear nobody!"

Viktor Axelsen - a name to remember. The 16 year old from is handled as the biggest European badminton talent over the past years. At the age of only 15 years, Axelsen reached the final at the Swedish International. Afterwards, he won the German Juniors without losing a set. It seems that the Asian players will have to fear another European pro in the future because Viktor is here. Badzine talked with him.

BADZINE: Viktor, you had quite a succesful season 2010 so far ...
Viktor Axelsen: ... yes, this year was very eventful. I had a fantastic start when I entered the Badminton Pro Tour. Not only in Denmark, but also international. I could also gain a lot of experience which is very crucial for my future.

BADZINE: A lot of people already see the new Peter Gade in you - what do you think about that?
Axelsen: On one hand it is great that the people believe in me. They say that I have what it takes. But I am not really thinking about that. I just keep focusing on my development as a badminton player.

BADZINE: You don't feel any pressure?
Axelsen: Of course there is pressure. Sometimes more, sometimes less. But I only feel the pressure off-court, only on-court. When I play, I am concentrated 100% on the game and my opponent. As a successful young player, the pressure comes on its own. That's the way it it, but this is no problem for me.

BADZINE: Which parts of your game would you like to improve?
Axelsen: Oh, there are a lot of things. At the moment, we are working on my net game. Also mental training will become a bigger and bigger part of my training efforts.

BADZINE: How many hours do you practice per week?
Axelsen: It's actually different. On average it is 16 hours per week if there is no tournament - most fitness and weight training.

BADZINE: What are your goals for the U19 World Championships?
Axelsen: It is difficult do define a goal for a World Championship. I do not know the level of a lot of Asian players. But I would definitely enjoy to beat some of the best Asian players (laughing).

BADZINE: A lot of European players fear Asian pros. Anyway you seem to be very cool on court.
Axelsen: Ich don't fear any player. Asian or not. This is my basic rule.

BADZINE: Did/Do you have an idol?
Axelsen: I like the style of play of Bao Chunlai. I think he has a very good technique. But my idol since I started playing Badminton is Peter Gade. It is amazing that he is playing on such a top level for so many years.

BADZINE: What are your plans after the U19 World Championships? Do you intend to play more tournaments on pro level?
Axelsen: At the moment all my concentration is focused on the Junior World Championships in Mexico. After Mexico I want to keep improving my world ranking. But I didn't really set a certain ranking as a goal. I just want to get as far as possible. Later this year I will play some Badminton tournaments in Europe. I will do my very best to achieve great results. And if not, there is always the next tournament. (laughing).

BADZINE: Last question. In Denmark, you are already quite well known. How are the reactions of your classmates?
Axelsen: In fact, I am visiting a sport school. All my school mates are doing sports in a professional way. Of course there were some reactions on my last successes - but only positive They support me and are happy for me when I am on tour. But in school I am just a normal pupil like everyone else.

Source: Badzine