Christo Popov won the French Open 2026 men's singles title on Sunday, defeating Zaki Ubaidillah of Indonesia 21-11, 14-21, 21-13 in Tremblay-en-France.
The victory makes Popov the first Frenchman to win the French Open in 80 years. According to Flashscore.com, the result also allows Popov to claim the badminton world number 1 ranking.
Popov dominated the opening set 21-11 before Ubaidillah fought back to claim the second set 21-14. Popov kept his cool to win the deciding set 21-13 to secure the title in front of a passionate crowd in Paris.
"Everything was scripted," Popov told Badminton Europe following the match.
"Everything was already like the path was for me. I guess I took it," Popov said, adding that the scene belonged in a movie.
Overcoming pressure to reach badminton world number 1
The European champion admitted to feeling the weight of the occasion during the three-set final. He described the experience as emotional and nervous, particularly when the momentum of the match shifted.
"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," Popov said.
Upon winning the final point, Popov threw his racket to the floor in disbelief and let out a triumphant roar. He later added, "If there was a day I needed to win, it's this one."
Road to the French Open badminton winner title
This victory follows a near-miss for Popov in the previous edition of the tournament. He reached the final last year but suffered a defeat to Anders Antonsen of Denmark, according to Flashscore.com.
The 2026 tournament saw a different trajectory for the Danish player. Flashscore.com reported that Antonsen was eliminated in the first round of the competition this year.
The French Open is a major badminton tournament held in France. Popov's ascent to the top of the world rankings follows his established success as the European champion.
The win in Tremblay-en-France marks the second successive year Popov has reached the final of the event.