Alex Lanier is mastering the art of the rebound. Disappointed after his elimination from the All England Open (Super 1000) in early March, a tournament he had targeted as a key objective for the year, the world No. 10 badminton player responded emphatically at the Orleans Masters (Super 300) this week.
He Didn’t Drop a Set Throughout the Tournament!
The defending champion of the second most important tournament organized in his country, after the French Internationals (Super 750), the 21-year-old from Divais reached the final without losing a single set. Then, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the two-time French champion confirmed his national dominance by defeating Toma Junior Popov (world No. 16) to retain his crown.
Much like the semi-final of the French Championships in Caen in February (21-8, 21-8), Alex Lanier gave no chance to the elder of the Popov brothers, who had the opportunity to become the first player to win three times in Orleans. After a first set he entirely controlled and concluded in 16 minutes, the Normand remained very clean and serious to close the match without difficulty (21-11, 21-13, in 34 minutes).
“I am quite proud of myself,” Lanier smiled, the now double winner of the Orleans Masters. “We put extra focus on being more aggressive, being at 100% on every shot and even more dangerous than usual. I am satisfied with my overall level this week. I felt great physically and mentally. Winning in France is even more beautiful.”
The week for the “bison of Calvados,” as Lanier is known, is a very good omen before the European Championships in Huelva (Spain), which will be held from April 6 to 12. Lanier, who is expected to return to world No. 9, will face Sweden’s Gustav Bjorkler (world No. 107) in his opening match. And there, too, he will have a title to defend!
Lanier’s victory at the Orleans Masters comes on the heels of a tricky, yet ultimately valuable, experience at the All England Open. The tournament marked Lanier’s first appearance at the prestigious event and his first Super 1000 semi-final, adding considerable pressure. Competing in his ninth match in under two weeks, Lanier acknowledged feeling some physical fatigue, but his determination to create his mark on French badminton history remained strong. He ultimately fell to Lee Chia Hao of Taipei in a hard-fought three-game match.
The Orleans Masters, however, provided a different narrative. Lanier’s dominant performance throughout the week showcased his ability to quickly adapt and refocus. His consistency and aggressive playstyle proved too much for his opponents, culminating in the decisive victory over Popov. This win not only secures another title for Lanier but also serves as a significant confidence boost heading into the European Championships.
Lanier’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. Beginning his badminton career at the age of three, he joined the Dives-sur-Mer badminton club before moving to Strasbourg in 2019 to compete in the French interclub division. In 2020, he joined INSEP at the age of 15, a testament to his early potential. His dedication and hard work have clearly paid off, as evidenced by his consistent rise in the world rankings – currently holding at No. 10, with a career high of No. 7 as of August 5, 2025, according to the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The upcoming European Championships present another opportunity for Lanier to showcase his talent on the international stage. As the defending champion, he will undoubtedly be a favorite, but he will face stiff competition from other top European players. His opening match against Gustav Bjorkler will be a crucial test, and a strong performance will be essential to maintaining his momentum throughout the tournament.
For French badminton fans, Lanier represents a new era of success. His gold medal at the 2025 European Championships was a historic achievement, making him the first French player to win a BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament. His continued success is inspiring a new generation of badminton players in France and solidifying his position as a leading figure in the sport.
The victory in Orleans is a clear signal that Lanier is back on track and ready to contend for major titles. His ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure will be key to his success in the coming months. As he prepares for the European Championships and beyond, Alex Lanier is undoubtedly a player to watch.
Next up for Lanier is the European Championships in Huelva, Spain, beginning April 6th. He will face Gustav Bjorkler in the opening round.
What are your thoughts on Lanier’s dominant performance? Share your predictions for the European Championships in the comments below!
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