Interview with Joachim Fischer: ‘Superseries Finals win was the best title ever’

Joachim Fischer Nielsen is one of the most expressive characters in badminton. An animated and emotional figure, he is a stark contrast to many of the other subdued personalities in the sport. As a mixed doubles player (with Christinna Pedersen), Fischer is one of the most accomplished players in the world. Bronze medals at the World Championships and Olympics are among many titles the pair has won over the years. The London Olympic bronze was followed by memorable campaigns at the BWF Superseries Finals, where the Danish duo twice beat the reigning Olympic champions on the way to the gold, and the Malaysia Open Superseries, which also they won, to help propel them to a career-best ranking of No.3.

You’ve had a great season in the second half of 2012. Anything special in training that helped you win so many tournaments?

No, actually not. After the Olympics, I wasn’t that motivated for playing badminton. Through the last two years, I have had a lot of focus on the Olympics. So, afterwards, I needed to find new motivation and goals, and to win a tournament in China and Malaysia has always been a goal for me.

What difference did the Olympic bronze make to you, personally and professionally?

It meant a lot for me, as it has been a goal for me for many years to perform at the Olympics. Personally, it has been a great satisfaction for me, and I am proud of the medal. Professionally, it hasn’t changed anything, as I always have had a good confidence and believe in myself.

Your recollections of the Olympics – you were close to winning the semifinal against Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei, but lost narrowly. Does that loss hurt? Or did the bronze medal compensate for the semifinal loss?

I had the worst day of my life after losing the semifinal and I almost did not get any sleep before the bronze medal match. The next day Christinna, (coach) Lars Uhre and I talked about the big difference to go home with a medal or not, and we agreed to give all we had to get that bronze medal with us to Denmark.

At 34 years of age, how are you able to maintain the physical fitness for top-level badminton?

I have got two knee operations in the last three years and I must admit that it has been a big challenge to play all the tournaments and team matches. It is important for me that I do my physical training and I always keep my body in good flow.

What is your opinion of the top Chinese pairs? In your opinion, how do they manage to deliver every time at important tournaments like the World Championships and Olympics?

Of course, the Chinese players are very strong and are always able to keep a high level. I think an important reason that they always perform well is because of the strong team they have with many strong players and coaches. They have been used to performing their best at a very young age and they compete at a high level at each training session.

How do you rate the BWF World Superseries victory last year? You beat the Olympic gold medallists in both matches. Was that one of your best tournament wins?

Firstly, I am proud that we were able to win a tournament in China, as this is not an easy target. Secondly, it was great to beat the Olympic champions twice on their home ground. In all I think we played the best tournament ever and therefore it means a lot to me.

What made you choose to become a mixed doubles player?

In 2006, the former national coach, Steen Pedersen, wanted me to play mixed doubles. In the beginning, I thought he had become crazy, but now I must admit that he was right about something.

Growing up, who were your main influences in your badminton career?

I have always had a big passion for badminton, so it has been natural for me to find out how far I could go.

What do you think is the future of badminton in Europe? Why is Europe able to produce good doubles teams but few singles players?

I think the future for badminton in Europe looks okay, but we still have to work very hard, if we are to compete with the strong Asian players.

Could you tell us about your hobbies and family and how you spend your free time away from the court?

I prefer and almost do spend all my free time together with my family, especially with my son (3 years old) and girlfriend.

What are the secrets to a successful mixed doubles partnership?

Train hard together and believe in each other.