French Open: Pop Goes the 80-Year Wait!
Christo Popov fulfilled a lifelong dream on home soil, defeating Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah 21-11 14-21 21-13 to capture the YONEX French Open 2026 title and rise to world No.1.
· DIANNE PIERRE
Roared on by a packed Arena Grand Paris crowd, the Frenchman looked in complete control when he surged to an 11-3 lead in the decider. But Ubaidillah refused to back down, clawing his way back into the match 12-10 ensuring there would be no easy points for the home favourite.
"I knew the beginning of the third game would be one of the most important things," said Popov.
Even as the Indonesian threatened a comeback, Popov held firm to seal the biggest title of his career. Afterwards, he admitted a few moments of fortune had gone his way.