Viktor and the Tenacious Sen: Defending Champion
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Axelsen is the favorite in the semifinal, but the Indian star could be a thorn in his side.
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In the Paris Olympics semifinal on Sunday, Viktor Axelsen faces two challenges. Besides Indian player Lakshya Sen, Axelsen must contend with the weight of expectations from his illustrious past. This shadow of potential all-time greatness looms larger as he aims for a second gold.
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During his quarterfinal win against Loh Kean Yew?Axelsen became restless when Loh received medical attention. Despite being ahead, he made some errors when forced to wait.
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Axelsen is expected to dominate, having won in straight sets and not allowing more than 17 points in previous matches. However, his temper has flared recently when opponents resist.
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With five of the top six men’s singles players already out, Axelsen's path to the final seems clear. But the remaining three players are ambitious and adaptable. Axelsen battles the memory of his previous dominance, especially from three years ago.
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Even small disruptions can unsettle Axelsen, as shown by Indian player HS Prannoy at the 2023 World Championships. If Sen can delay Axelsen’s progress, it might rattle him, especially in a tight match.
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Axelsen excels in finals, but he might view the semifinal against the unseeded Sen as a mere stepping stone to double gold. This overconfidence could provide Sen an opportunity. Though Sen’s game is not particularly aggressive, Axelsen's attack can overwhelm any defense. If Sen can force a third set, Axelsen’s vulnerabilities may surface.
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Axelsen has had some unexpected losses recently, such as to Wang Tzu Wei, Toma Junior Popov, and Anthony Ginting, and he has given walkovers. He also faced tough matches even in his victories.
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