The weight of unfulfilled dreams was very much evident on Line Kjaersfeldt’s face, even after a promising start to her DAIHATSU Japan Open 2024 campaign on Wednesday.

The tournament in Yokohama is the first HSBC BWF World Tour event following the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which Kjaersfeldt, despite qualifying was absent from as Denmark’s spot in women’s singles went to another player.

“It’s been really difficult (coping with the omission). And it was hard to watch the Olympics because I was sitting (at home) thinking I should have been in Paris,” shared Kjaersfeldt, her voice tinged with frustration, after staying resilient to overcome world No.16 Chinese Zhang Yi Man 16-21 21-19 21-12.

“I know I’m a good player. I have a decent top level and I showed in Canada (Open finishing runner-up last month), and now beating a higher-ranked player.

“If I’d had a long gap without tournaments, it would have been harder. It’s good there’s a few ahead, because I’m setting new goals all the time. That’s what my mind is on.”

Kjaersfeldt’s performance against Zhang was impressive, given her recent heartbreak. After dropping the opener, she stayed focused to close out the second having allowed her opponent to catch up to 18-all from being seven points behind. In the decider, she never relinquished the lead she took at 5-4.

“I’m happy with how I played. It was a tough match, and it’s quite some time since the last tournament, so I’m pleased to start with a win,” said the 30-year-old.

“I felt I had more to give after the first game. I know I’m in good shape, so I just kept moving, kept being persistent and fast. I knew what I had to do and where to get my points from.”

Kjaersfeldt’s second round test tomorrow is against three-time winner Akane Yamaguchi, whom she’s yet to better after seven encounters.

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of play (Day 3)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“The Olympics just finished so I’m a little tired still. It’s been hard to maintain the motivation and intensity but I’m just trying to enjoy being out there.” – Kodai Naraoka

“It was a whole different world, it was more intense. But the experience has left us wanting more. The preparation for LA28, however, has to start now. Having played in Paris, we know what we need to do.” – Toh Ee Wei on her Olympic debut

“We are happy with how we’ve started but there’s a lot of work to do to get better. We are optimistic we will come good.” – Muhammad Shohibul Fikri after his first match with new partner Daniel Marthin

“In these four months of partnering others, my belief we make the best pair was reaffirmed. We are the perfect match.” – Kim Hye Jeong after returning to women’s doubles with regular partner Jeong Na Eun