In 2016 Anders Antonsen announced himself as “The Next One” for Danish men’s singles. Three years later he still does not feel any pressure.
A lot has happened since Anders Antonsen won the men’s singles title at the 2015 European Junior Championships. In June Antonsen won the 2nd European Games and it is only natural to have expectations ahead of the World Championships in Basel later this summer.
As a senior player Antonsen has already won several European gold medals. 2019 has been a good year so far for the World number 11 winning Indonesia Masters, The European Games and reaching the final at Spain Masters as well as the Indonesia Open.
A lot of talk
Nearly three years after claiming that he was “The Next One” for Danish men’s singles, he does not know if he is still “The Next One” or if he can call himself “The One”.
- Actually I do not know when you are “The Next One”, but I am doing okay, and I am heading towards it. When you are “The Next One” or “The One” I really do not know, Anders Antonsen said.
- It has been something, that I have had to talk a lot about in interviews. I do not feel that there has been extra pressure on me. I said it because I believed in it, and I think I am on track. I am doing well, so it is still the goal.
Good confidence
Social media comments regarding Antonsen’s statement clearly show that they are divided into two groups: The ones that find it ambitious and the ones that find it arrogant.
- It is not a thing you see a lot from a Danish guy. We have something that we call “Law of Jante”, which means that you cannot believe you are something. I have never been a big fan of that “law”. I have always been a guy with good confidence, and I still am, Anders Antonsen said.
The next opportunity for the fans to watch Antonsen in action will be at the World Championships in Basel.