Sen's journey to the semifinals has been impressive, defeating higher-ranked opponents like Jonatan Christie and Chou Tien Chen. Axelsen, despite a subdued season with an ankle injury, remains a dominant force. Their past encounters show a 7-1 record favoring Axelsen, with Sen's sole victory at the 2022 German Open.
Axelsen's towering presence and powerful smashes will test Sen's agility and strategic play. The Dane, a seasoned Olympian with a gold from Tokyo and a bronze from Rio, also boasts two world championship titles and a host of BWF titles.
Sen's confidence is high, following a stellar performance against Chou Tien Chen, where he showcased exceptional court coverage and defense. His fitness and ability to produce winners under pressure will be crucial in this high-stakes match.
A win for Sen would not only edge him closer to India's first Olympic gold in badminton but also provide a shot at bronze should he lose. The match is set to be a thrilling display of skill and determination, with Sen eager to overturn past losses to Axelsen and make his mark on the Olympic stage.
The semifinal match between Sen and Axelsen is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. IST, with live streaming available on the Jio Cinema app and website.