Paris (AFP) – Birthright: Alexis Lebrun was crowned French champion for the third time in a row, defeating his brother Félix, fifth player in the world, in the final on Sunday in Montpellier.
Published on: 03/24/2024 – 7:28 p.m. Modified on: 03/24/2024 – 7:26 p.m.
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Crowned in doubles the day before together for the first time, the Lebruns did not hold back against each other and as during their three previous competitive clashes, Alexis, 20 years old and 22nd player in the world, won won against his 17-year-old little brother, 4-2 (11-3, 11-6, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 16-14).
After a delicate start, Félix Lebrun, third youngest player to have broken into the world top-5, had four set points to snatch a seventh set, before being joined at 10-10 and ending up folding.
The elder jumped onto the table when the younger’s eyes misted behind his glasses.
« After the doubles title with Félix, I can’t dream of better », savored Alexis before going to hug her brother, still inconsolable several minutes after the last point.
It was not the only family final of the day since just before Camille Lutz defeated her little sister Charlotte Lutz, 4-1 (11-8, 12-10, 11-4, 4-11, 11- 5).
« It’s very hard. I’m super happy for myself, but at the same time terribly sad for my sister, the eldest struggled to rejoice. It’s a difficult mix of feelings to deal with. »
Previously, the new French champion had dismissed the number one seed, Prithika Pavade, 4-2 (11-4, 11-6, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8) in the half.
Pavade, 26th in the world rankings, was the favorite in the absence of Jia Nan Yuan (N.18).
