BWF Injury Report: Axelsen and Tunjung Clear Final Rehab Hurdles as Summer Tour Heats Up

The grueling nature of the BWF World Tour inevitably takes a physical toll by mid-summer, but the narrative in July 2026 is increasingly one of resilience and sports science. As the tour transitions from the North American leg back to Asia, the badminton world is receiving a significant boost: several top-ranked shuttlers have successfully completed their rehabilitation programs.[1]

Leading the wave of returning stars is Denmark's Viktor Axelsen. The men's singles powerhouse has been sidelined since sustaining a lateral ankle sprain during the Thomas Cup in May. After a highly structured six-week recovery period, Axelsen has officially been cleared for full-court sparring and is slated to return at the upcoming Japan Open Super 750.[1]

Axelsen's rehab protocol highlights a growing trend among elite players prioritizing long-term biomechanical health over rushing back to the court. According to Danish media, his recovery involved extensive aquatic therapy and targeted proprioceptive training to rebuild ankle stability without overloading the joint.

"The ankle feels fantastic, and the time away allowed me to reset mentally as well," Axelsen noted in a recent update. This cautious, science-backed approach ensures he returns not just healthy, but fully capable of executing his signature explosive jump smashes without hesitation.

His return dramatically alters the men's singles landscape. In his absence, players like China's Shi Yuqi and Denmark's Anders Antonsen have capitalized on the open draws, accumulating significant ranking points. The renewal of these high-stakes rivalries in Japan is expected to be a major draw for fans and broadcasters alike.

In the women's singles division, Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung is also making a highly anticipated comeback. Tunjung suffered a Grade 1 calf strain during the Indonesia Open in June, forcing her to withdraw from subsequent tournaments to avoid aggravating the muscle.

The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) medical team implemented a strict load-management protocol for Tunjung. Rather than risking her health during the Canada and US Opens, she remained in Jakarta for intensive physiotherapy, focusing on soft-tissue recovery and gradual strength building.

This strategic patience has paid off. Tunjung resumed full-court training this week, reporting zero discomfort during high-intensity lateral movement drills. Her return adds crucial depth to the women's singles field as the race for the year-end BWF World Tour Finals intensifies.[1]

The broader narrative across the tour reflects a maturation in how players and federations handle the demanding 30-plus tournament calendar. Analysts note that the "play through the pain" mentality of previous eras is rapidly being replaced by proactive load management and advanced sports science.

This proactive approach is evident in the handling of rising stars as well. France's Alex Lanier, who recently surged into the top 10, opted to skip the North American swing entirely due to a minor wrist tweak.[2]

Rather than risking a chronic injury, Lanier and his coaching staff chose precautionary rest. This decision ensures he will be at peak physical condition for the European and Asian swings later in the year, prioritizing career longevity over short-term ranking points.[2]

As the BWF World Tour gears up for its late-summer marquee events, the focus has shifted from attrition to anticipation. With Axelsen, Tunjung, and others returning to peak form, the upcoming tournaments promise to showcase badminton at its highest, healthiest level.[1]