CHINA MASTERS, 2025 — Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen crashed out of the China Masters in the round of 16 on Thursday, succumbing in a three-set thriller to the surging Frenchman Alex Lanier.
French teenager Alex Lanier stuns Viktor Axelsen at China Masters
Axelsen’s bid for consistent form after injury hits another snag against rising star Lanier.
- Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen was eliminated in the round of 16 at the China Masters.
- Axelsen lost in three sets to 22-year-old Frenchman Alex Lanier (22:20, 15:21, 13:21).
- Lanier staged a remarkable comeback after Axelsen held significant leads in the second set.
- The defeat prolongs Axelsen’s search for his previous dominance since returning from injury.
The surprising upset saw Lanier triumph over the Dane with scores of 22:20, 15:21, 13:21 after a tense battle lasting just over an hour.
What was the most significant upset at the China Masters round of 16? Viktor Axelsen’s unexpected defeat to Alex Lanier marked a major surprise in the men’s singles draw.
Early on, it seemed the match was firmly in Axelsen’s control. The Dane, known for his nerve under pressure, clinched a tight opening set. He then appeared set to dominate the second, holding commanding leads of 10:3 and 15:9. These advantages typically allow players to dictate terms and keep opponents at bay.
However, the dynamic shifted dramatically. Lanier, demonstrating impressive grit and skill, unleashed a stunning run. He won twelve consecutive rallies, completely overturning the momentum of the second set and sending shockwaves through the arena.
Axelsen, it seemed, never fully recovered from this sudden turnaround. In the deciding set, his movements appeared laboured. Lanier, conversely, played with renewed confidence and precision, seizing control of the match. The loss is a setback for Axelsen as he continues his challenging journey to regain his peak form after a prolonged injury layoff.
