PETALING JAYA: Tears of joy flowed for Christo Popov after he fulfilled his dream of winning the men’s singles title at the French Open on Sunday.
The 24-year-old ended an 80-year wait for a home champion and, to cap his memorable triumph, is set to become the new world No. 1 when the latest rankings are released on Tuesday.
Popov defeated Indonesia’s 19-year-old Moh Zaki Ubaidillah 21-11, 14-21, 21-13 in the final to become the first Frenchman to win the title since Henri Pellizza in 1946.
“It’s one of the best memories I have in my career. The first one is always the best one,” said Popov in an interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
“All the planets aligned today (on Sunday). I guess it’s my day and it’s a French day because I’m not only proud of myself, but also that a Frenchman has won the French Open. It’s amazing, really.”
Popov felt he was better equipped to handle the pressure this time, having learnt from his emotional defeat to Denmark’s Anders Antonsen in last year’s final.
“I think I’m also a more experienced player now.”
“Those results, they don’t come alone. I couldn’t have done it without the team I have here with and also the crowd.”
With 21-year-old Alex Lanier also making history by becoming France’s first-ever world champion recently, French badminton is enjoying a golden era.
Once regarded as whipping boys in men’s singles, the French are now emerging as genuine title contenders on the world stage.
