French Open: Stars Assemble in Paris
The YONEX French Open 2026 gets underway this week at its new home Arena Grand Paris.
· BWF STAFF
Home hopes will be high as reigning world champion and Denmark Open winner Alex Lanier, seeded seventh, takes on China Masters winner Jason Gunawan in their second career meeting having last played one another in 2019.
French interest continues with Toma Junior Popov facing top seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn in what will be their sixth encounter. Meanwhile, Toma's younger brother Christo, runner-up last year, opens his campaign against fellow Frenchman Arnaud Merkle.
There has been a late change in the men's singles draw following the withdrawal of Weng Hong Yang. His compatriot Hu Zhe An is promoted into the main draw for the second consecutive tournament and will face Victor Lai in the opening round.