File Pic
Internet Desk: Indian ace shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has been rated as one of the toughest players by Kenneth Jonassen who is the coach of the reigning world champion Victor Axelsen. Jonassen has also urged Srikanth to be more consistent for the upcoming competitions.
“For me world No 1 doesn’t matter. It is about being able to peak at right time at Olympics, World Championship, Thomas Cup, that’s the key. Srikanth is one of the more talented players by far. He looks so athletic on court but I think he needs to be more consistent,” Denmark chief coach Jonassen said.
“The transition that I have seen in him in last six months has been amazing. I count him one of the toughest players. He plays very well against Chen Long. He is difficult for anybody to beat, so it is a matter of time.
“Of course, I don’t know him, I don’t know how he is to work with, I don’t know what he is going through mentally. From my point of view, just by looking at him the kind of talent he is, he is already doing great and he has the potential to go far,” Jonassen said when asked about his opinion about Srikanth.
Jonassen joined Danish National team as its chief coach in 2013 after coaching England for some time.
His presence saw Axelsen emerge as a world beater, who bagged bronze at Rio Olympics and then clinched the World Championship title beating Lin Dan in Glasgow. He is currently the world No 1.
Jonassen, however, felt given the fierce competition in men’s singles, it will be difficult to hold on to the numero uno status by Axelsen.
“The competition is fierce. It will be very difficult to dominate. In earlier times, we have seen three or four players standing out, winning tournaments but now overall you can’t play even at 95 percent. There are atleast 20-25 players in the draw who can beat you,” said the 43-year-old, who won the gold medal at the 2008 European Badminton Championships.
Jonassen admitted that India do have quality players, who are eager to do well at the highest level.
“I see India coming up with 6-8 players, who are hungry and determined for success. Japan also have Kento Momota, who is coming back for sure and he is one of the players, we are looking forward to see at the super series level, he deserves to be here and he would be in the contention in future,” he added.