Reigning champ Viktor Axelsen displayed why he is one of the most mind-blowing players of the current times with an astonishing win against India's Lakshya Sen in the semi-final of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Sunday, 4 August. In a grueling match that lasted 54 minutes, Axelsen prevailed over a determined Lakshya Sen 22-20, 14-21 on Court 1 of the La Chappele Arena. Axelsen demonstrated why he is one of the best defensive players of all time, despite appearing to be out of the game in both games, leading 9-15 in the first and 0-7 in the second. Axelsen worked out Lakshya's capricious nature and gave the Indian a loss, regardless of the 22-year-old seeing his absolute best.
Lakshya Sen on his loss
“I think not really. I think I got a good start. Then I was just trying to play the same game and then he changed a little bit and then I was just trying to be very very passive. I think I was, in the second set especially after having a good lead I think if I had maybe attacked a bit more I still had no chances but I think after he got back into the game it was difficult for me to put the free hand. I think yeah it was a really good match and yeah, I learned a lot from him. I think the last time we have trained together at times,” said Lakshya Sen after the match.
“I was a bit nervous as well in the end. Yeah, I think after 20 all, the next two points was really an easy mistake from mine but yeah, second set, I could have still had my chances. I will forget this match. Forget all the matches I played. Now it’s just 1 match. And that’s all that matters. Everything to play for tomorrow and be ready,” he added.
Lakshya Sen to fight for Bronze
However, Lakshya's campaign is not over as he will compete against Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the bronze medal match. Viktor then again will confront eighth seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the gold award match of the Paris Olympics.
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