Semifinals day took place at the Swiss Open 2021 with Axelsen and Marin both consolidating their top-seed status and reaching the final, but it was not all plain sailing.
Olympic champion Carolina Marin faced Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong. Having played Chochuwong twice in her homeland this year and coming out as a dominant winner both times, Marin would have been bullish about her chances today.
However, Chochuwong, finding herself a game down and Marin having two match points, was able to find the type of game that earned her a win over the Spaniard in Barcelona last year. Forcing a decider, the tension was high until the very end.
-I think she was a bit lucky at the end of the second game, getting some tumble net shots, but this is a part of the game. She was able to keep the shuttle going and I made so many mistakes today.
Marin was able to scramble her way over the line winning, 21-15 20-22 21-19. This completed the dream final for fans, as she will now face her fierce rival Pusarla V. Sindhu who efficiently dispatched Mia Blichfeldt in her semifinal.
-This win is very important because I came back stronger, Sindhu stated after explaining that this is part of a long process of rebuilding her form again.
Axelsen handled the pressure
Viktor Axelsen, facing Srikanth Kidambi, got off to a solid start in the opening game, winning 21-13. However, Srikanth made his move in the second game, pressuring Axelsen’s forehand defence.
-He is a top-level player when he plays his best. I can say that it wasn’t the most beautiful match, but I am really happy that I managed to win, Axelsen said honestly.
Axelsen was able to hold his nerve and win 21-13, 21-19, and will now play the teenage sensation, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who put together a surprise win against Malaysia’s Lee Jii Zia.
-I am very happy to play the top in the world. I was without pressure and played really well… Now I really want to learn from him [Viktor Axelsen], as he has a good attack and good defence, Vitidsarn said looking forward to tomorrow’s final.
In 2021, for Axelsen and Marin this is now four out of four finals appearances on the World Tour.
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