Anders Antonsen: Meet the French Open badminton 2025 champ
Anders Antonsen’s ascent to badminton glory exploded with his thrilling victory at the 2025 French Open.
This is the story of a 28-year-old Danish shuttler with big dreams, who captured his second major Badminton World Federation (BWF) title in 2025.
Antonsen’s journey not only highlights his personal achievements but also offers a blueprint for longevity and success in badminton, connecting his story to aspiring players.
With the Indonesia Open and French Open titles secured in 2025, expect Antonsen to pursue more in the upcoming seasons.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Antonsen seeks more championships and the No.1 ranking.
Anders Antonsen badminton early origins
Anders Antonsen was born on April 27, 1997, in Aarhus, Denmark.
He began playing badminton at age six, practicing with his brother and future coach, Kasper Antonsen.
They were taught the basics by their father, who worked at AB, one of the badminton courts. He electrified the court at his international debut during the 2013 Forza Denmark International tournament.
Just two years later, Antonsen dominated German Max Weißkirchen, 21-9, 15-21, 21-9, seizing the European Junior Championship title.
From 2017 to 2019, Antonsen went on to claim three consecutive national titles.
ANDERS ANTONSEN KEY CAREER SNAPSHOTS
Anders Antonsen badminton: Rise to prominence
In 2015, Antonsen had a productive year, winning the Dutch International, Belgian International, and Irish Open.
He was also awarded the 2015 European Young Player of the Year for his exploits.
The rising Danish star then won the Scottish Open Grand Prix, his first Grand Prix title.
He also claimed the Spanish International, Austrian Open, and Swedish Masters later that same year.
By that time, comparisons were already made with Antonsen succeeding Viktor Axelsen as Denmark’s top male singles shuttler.
ANDERS ANTONSEN’S CAREER MILESTONES AND MAJOR TITLES
| Tournament | Division | Result | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| BWF International Challenge/Series – Dutch International | Men’s singles | Winner | 2015 |
| BWF International Challenge/Series – Belgian International | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2015 |
| BWF International Challenge/Series – Polish International | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2015 |
| BWF International Challenge/Series – Irish Open | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2015 |
| BWF International Challenge/Series – Swedish Masters | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2016 |
| BWF International Challenge/Series – Spanish International | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2016 |
| BWF Grand Prix – Scottish Open | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2016 |
| BWF World Tour -Indonesia Masters | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2019 |
| BWF World Tour – Spain Masters | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2019 |
| BWF World Tour – Indonesia Open | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2019 |
| BWF World Tour -Indonesia Masters | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2020 |
| BWF World Tour Finals | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2020 |
| BWF World Tour- Indonesia Masters | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2021 |
| BWF World Tour -Singapore Open | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2023 |
| BWF World Tour – Korea Open | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2023 |
| BWF World Tour – Malaysia Open | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2024 |
| BWF World Tour – Indonesia Masters | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2024 |
| BWF World Tour – Indonesia Open | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2024 |
| BWF World Tour – Denmark Open | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2024 |
| BWF World Tour – China Masters | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2024 |
| BWF World Tour Finals | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2024 |
| BWF World Tour – Malaysia | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2025 |
| BWF World Tour – Malaysia Open | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2025 |
| BWF World Tour – Thailand Open | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2025 |
| BWF World Tour – Indonesia Open | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2025 |
| BWF World Tour – Korea Open | Men’s Singles | Runner-up | 2025 |
| BWF World Tour – French Open | Men’s Singles | Winner | 2025 |
| European Championships (Demark) | Men’s Singles | Silver Medallist | 2017 |
| European Championships (Kyiv) | Men’s Singles | Gold Medallist | 2021 |
| European Championships (Madrid) | Men’s Singles | Silver Medallist | 2022 |
| European Championships (Germany) | Men’s Singles | Gold Medallist | 2024 |
| European Games | Men’s Singles | Gold Medallist | 2019 |
| World Championships (Basel) | Men’s Singles | Silver Medallist | 2019 |
| World Championships (Spain) | Men’s Singles | Bronze Medallist | 2021 |
| World Championships (Copenhagen) | Men’s Singles | Bronze Medallist | 2023 |
| World Championships (Paris) | Men’s Singles | Bronze Medallist | 2025 |
French Open badminton: Antonsen cops 2025 title
In 2025, Antonsen claimed his second major BWF title by winning the French Open.
Antonsen began his campaign with a 21-13, 21-15 win over Jia Heng Jason Teh of Singapore in the Round of 32.
He would later outlast Canada’s Brian Yang in three sets, 21-17, 19-21, 23-21, in the round of 16.
In the quarterfinals, Antonsen then toppled compatriot Axelsen, 21-15, 17-21, 21-12, advancing to the semifinals.
He defeated China’s Li Shi Feng, 15-21, 21-19, 21-13, in the semifinals before overcoming Christo Popov of France, 21-19, 21-19, in the final on October 26, 2025.
See also:
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Anders Antonsen world ranking
Antonsen reached his highest position in the BWF rankings at No.2 in men’s singles on September 27, 2022.
He has remained a consistent presence in the top 10 since then.
Antonsen is competing not only with Axelsen but also with Asian stars Shi Yu Qi of China and Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand for the top spot.
After his French Open badminton 2025 win, he was ranked world No. 3 on October 26, 2025.
Ultimately, Antonsen’s ranking trajectory reflects his ability not just to reach the top but to stay there.
Signature style and strengths
He is also known for intelligent shot placement, a blend of aggression, and the mental toughness needed to outthink his opponents.
Most importantly, the Danish shuttler has developed a sharpened tactical awareness to wear down his foes.
Additionally, Antonsen is a strong defender, skilled at retrieving difficult shots from the backcourt.
At a slower pace, he can be patient in his approach as he adjusts to different court dynamics and match tempos.
Coach and support team
Behind every champion is a strong support network, and Antonsen is no exception.
His older brother, Kasper Antonsen, has played a major role not only as a sparring partner but as his coach.
The Danish badminton setup provided an environment where Antonsen could train with elite players and coaches.
Antonsen also stays in touch with his team—including physiotherapists, nutritionists, mental coaches, and physiological trainers.
On the other hand, his willingness to adapt tactically signals his maturity as a player.
Anders Antonsen at the 2028 LA Olympics?
By 2028, when Antonsen will be 31 years old, can he make a final push for the Los Angeles Olympics?
His recent performances, especially his French Open badminton title in 2025, suggest he is on track for an Olympic run.
If Antonsen stays healthy, keeps refining his game, and leverages his mental strength, an Olympic medal could be in reach.
With Axelsen’s status for the 2028 Games also uncertain, the Danish badminton association will need Antonsen to show up.
Ultimately, it will be Antonsen and his team’s call if he answers to flag and country or focuses on the BWF’s major tournaments.
Anders Antonsen: In retrospect
Anders Antonsen’s journey offers key lessons on building, sustaining, and elevating a career in modern badminton.
His path has been purposeful and persistent from his early years in Aarhus to his breakthrough. The French Open badminton 2025 title roared as a declaration of Antonsen’s generational status.
In pursuit of more titles and the No.1 ranking, Antonsen proves that greatness is not just about peak years—it’s about fearless evolution.
Whether you’re a fan, a player, or simply a badminton enthusiast, Anders Antonsen inspires as his story continues to unfold.
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