Par
Aline Chatel
Published on
; updated Feb 8 2026 at 2:43 p.m.
Master in his kingdom! Alex Lanier retained his crown as French champion, this Sunday February 8, 2026, in the city where he was born 21 years ago. The Norman easily beat Christo Popov, who is one place ahead of him in the world rankings, at the Palais des Sports in Caen (21-15, 21-12). The world number 8 performed a demonstration in front of his audience.
Invincible at home
“I didn’t have don’t want to lose in Normandyhe admits. That would have made me really sad…” There was never any question of defeat against Toma’s brother, his previous victimthe day before. Alex Lanier entered the match perfectly in front of almost full stands, but not completely. The stage venue quickly proved unplayable against an overwhelmed Christo Popov. 6-2, 10-4 then 13-5: the points kept coming.
I wanted to do things right. I quickly found my rhythm, I quickly felt that my legs were good, that I could see things well. It’s one of my strengths. I used the audience, even if it wasn’t necessarily visible. The public galvanized me.
Twice winner of Christo Popov last year, during the French and European championships, Alex Lanier mastered the debates from start to finish. He doesn’t have almost nothing given to his opponenteven if the latter had some bursts of pride. “I was solid. Sometimes, I also surprised myself by managing to defend well. Everything was going well. I made very few mistakes. At one point, he let go. » Christo Popov finished the first set on his butt after a smash from Alex Lanier. He stayed a good distance from Ranvillais in the second round, apart from a slight comeback (11-8).
“It touches me that so many people came”
Alex Lanier, sovereign, was just too strong. “It was a good match,” he admits without adding more. I arrived a little sick. I really feel better and I was able to push physically. It was enjoyable to play. I had fun. Sometimes, a few screams from the audience made me laugh and relaxed me. I played in a good mood, while remaining serious. I’m really happy to have been able to share this moment. » The representatives of the Dives-sur-Mer club, where he was trained, were particularly vocal in the stands.
People have seen me grow up through screens. When I’m there and for once I can perform in front of everyone, it’s nice. It touches me that so many people came. I don’t know if every human is conditioned to see so many loved ones in the same room shouting their name (smile).
Alex Lanier had the eyes that shone on the podiumhe who was the youngest European champion and winner of a Super 750 tournament. “It’s a really different title. It’s another emotion. I have no doubt that the next [titres de champions de France] will be beautiful, but probably a little less. » Alex Lanier will not have time to take advantage of it. He prepares to compete in the European team championships with one idea in mind: to beat Denmark to win gold.
“It would have been a shame to lose at home”
“It’s not easy to play in the French championships,” he confided after the match, on the microphone in front of the spectators. “We don’t necessarily arrive in good shape. At home, I admit that it would have been a shame to lose. but also for all the people who accompanied me, who educated me, who passed on good values to me.”
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