Joakim Oldorff: The Polite Competitor Who Conquered Al Ain
Al Ain, UAE — October 2025
Promising Finnish shuttler Joakim Oldorff displayed remarkable composure and grace on court as he clinched his first BWF Super100 men’s singles title at the Al Ain Masters 2025 on Sunday — and in the process, won the hearts of countless fans.
After the final match, the 22-year-old showed the same calm demeanour off the court, patiently posing for photographs and signing autographs for young admirers at the Al Ain Club.
“I think my competitiveness and politeness describe me,” Oldorff said with a smile. “I like to be respectful with everyone – I want to treat people the way I want them to treat me.”
A Memorable Victory
Oldorff described his experience in Abu Dhabi as unforgettable.
“It has been an amazing week and an amazing crowd! I’m proud at the moment. It’s my second tournament in Abu Dhabi, and I’m honoured to see such a crowd cheering for me.”
In the men’s singles final, Oldorff produced a gritty comeback, defeating Malaysia’s independent shuttler Aidil Sholeh 14–21, 21–17, 21–7. His determination and self-discipline were on full display, especially given that he competes without a full-time coach.
“It’s not always easy to be without a coach, but I keep in touch with my coach, Anu Nieminen, every day about matches and strategies,” he explained. “You learn a lot when you’re on your own on the court – you have to be mentally aware of what’s happening because no one is telling you.”
Oldorff, who won his first international title at the Welsh International in 2023, said the Al Ain Masters felt particularly special.
“This event was special – I’ve handled things better mentally than before. I just try to keep doing the right things and stay focused on my game plan rather than my emotions.”
Driven by Goals, Grounded by Values
A Junior and Senior bronze medallist at the European Championships, Oldorff is already looking ahead to future tournaments, including the Arctic Open in his home country.
“I want to be better not just in badminton but in every way,” he said. “Playing at the Olympics is the ultimate goal in badminton.”
When not competing, the Helsinki native trains at the Yonex Peter Gade Academy and plays for clubs in Denmark, continuing to sharpen his skills in Europe’s competitive badminton circuit.
“I also want to do well at the European Championships next year,” he added. “But I prefer to focus on one tournament at a time.”
A Star on the Rise
With his humility, work ethic, and quiet confidence, Joakim Oldorff embodies a new generation of European shuttlers — fiercely competitive yet deeply respectful. His victory in Al Ain not only marks a personal milestone but also signals the arrival of a player poised to make a lasting impact on the international stage.
