With a few players hitting peak form in the run-up to Paris 2024, men’s singles appears more open than usual. Will reigning champion Viktor Axelsen defend his title, putting him on par with Lin Dan as a two-time gold medallist? Or will a new champion be crowned? Here’s a look at the form of the prime contenders this season:

Shi Yu Qi (China)

Born: 1996, Style: Right, attack

Nearly everything has gone Shi Yu Qi’s way this year – with four titles from five finals, beating former nemesis Viktor Axelsen in Malaysia, to claiming the world No.1 ranking. His French Open win at the Olympic venue does give him the edge when the Olympics begin.

Viktor Axelsen (Denmark)

Born: 1994, Style: Right, attack

The Olympic champion went five months this season without a title – which was highly unusual considering his efficiency in winning titles, but he was carrying a foot injury. He finally broke the spell with the Malaysia Masters crown in May. With his impeccable record at major tournaments, Axelsen will once again be favourite for gold in Paris.

Jonatan Christie (Indonesia)

Born: 1997, Style: Right, steady

Christie broke a 30-year drought by becoming the first Indonesian men’s singles winner at the prestigious All England in March, and he followed up by winning the Asian Championships. This season has seen Christie at the peak of his powers, and while the Indonesian has a difficult draw, his fans will hope he can keep the momentum going into Paris.

Anders Antonsen (Denmark)

Born: 1997, Style: Right, steady

Began the season brilliantly with a title with titles in successive weeks in Malaysia and Indonesia and held his form, capturing the European Championships and making the Super 1000 final in Indonesia mid-season. After a past season dogged by groin injury, Antonsen has catapulted himself as one of the frontline contenders.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand)

Born: 2001, Style: Right, counter-attacking

The Thai has a great instinct to come good at the right moment, as he demonstrated with the World Championships victory last year. Following the historic triumph, he bided his time, peaking once again early this season with a runner-up place at the French Open. Semifinals in Thailand and Indonesia indicate that he is well on his way to a strong show in Paris.

Also Read:

Form Guide: Women’s Singles Frontrunners
Form Guide: Men’s Doubles Frontrunners
Form Guide: Women’s Doubles Frontrunners
Form Guide: Mixed Doubles Frontrunners