“Everything was scripted,” said French badminton ace Christo Popov after defeating Indonesia’s Zaki Ubaidillah in three games (21-11, 14-21, 21-13) on Sunday (25 October) to claim the French Open 2026 men’s singles title.
The victory also secured Popov the world No. 1 ranking, on home soil, no less. It was the kind of scene, the Frenchman agreed, that belonged in a movie.
“Everything was already like the path was for me. I guess I took it,” the 24-year-old told Badminton Europe.
But the fairytale finish did not come without a scare.
After taking the opening game 21-11, Popov lost the second 14-21 before finding himself under pressure again in the decider as Ubaidillah mounted a comeback.
“I was very emotional and nervous,” Popov admitted. “When you have the match in your hand, and it kind of is taken away… I fought very hard, and I think in those moments that’s what I’m best at doing.”
After winning the final point, the European champion threw his racket to the floor, put his hands to his head, and looked around at the adoring home crowd in disbelief before letting out a triumphant roar.
The victory was all the sweeter for Popov, who had lost in the final of the same tournament just one year earlier.
“If there was a day I needed to win, it’s this one,” he said.
