Anders Antonsen has made it clear that he has no intention of giving up his place as Denmark’s leading men’s singles shuttler anytime soon. After spending much of his career playing in the shadow of Viktor Axelsen, the 28-year-old believes the time has come for him to firmly establish himself at the top of Danish badminton.
For years, Antonsen was widely regarded as the supporting act to Axelsen, a two-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist. However, circumstances have shifted dramatically over the past year. Persistent injury problems have hampered Axelsen’s ability to compete regularly, causing him to slide down the world rankings from No. 1 to No. 30. In contrast, Antonsen’s consistency on the international circuit has been rewarded, with the Dane currently sitting at world No. 3.
Holding the top spot in his home country is a milestone Antonsen takes great pride in, but he insists that the pressure he faces comes largely from within rather than external expectations.
“Being Denmark’s No. 1 is something I’m really proud of,” Antonsen said. “I’ve been among the top players in the world for many years now, and reaching No. 3 again shows that my level has been stable.”
“I don’t feel pressure from Denmark or from anyone else. Honestly, the only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself. I have high standards and I expect a lot from my own performances.”
Antonsen explained that his demanding mindset is what drives him to stay competitive at the highest level.
“Every time I step onto the court, I want to give absolutely everything. If I don’t perform to the level I expect from myself, I’m very tough on myself afterwards,” he added.
Strong Start to 2026 at the Malaysian Open
Antonsen has begun the new season in impressive fashion, underlining his ambitions with a commanding run at the Malaysian Open. In the quarter-finals at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, he produced one of his most convincing displays of the tournament, sweeping aside Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 21-9, 21-12 in just over half an hour.
The emphatic victory not only secured Antonsen a place in the semi-finals but also sent a strong message to his rivals that he is entering the year in peak form.
Blockbuster Semi-Final Against Shi Yuqi
Awaiting Antonsen in the last four is a familiar and formidable opponent — China’s world No. 1 Shi Yuqi. The matchup has quickly developed into one of men’s singles badminton’s most compelling rivalries. The two players have met in the finals of the same tournament over the past two years, sharing victories between them.
Antonsen emerged victorious in the 2024 final, while Shi Yuqi gained the upper hand last year. Now, the Dane is eager to tilt the balance back in his favour and reach his third consecutive final at the Malaysian Open.
“I’m really excited about this match,” Antonsen said. “I know it’s going to be very tough, but if I play at my absolute best and fight for every point, I believe I can make it difficult for him as well.”
“After losing to him in the final last year, I definitely want to get my revenge. Let’s see who comes out on top this time.”
With confidence high and momentum firmly on his side, Antonsen is determined to continue his rise and prove that Denmark’s No. 1 label is not just temporary — but earned.
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