49 minutes, not a scare and a victory in four sets: as expected, Félix Lebrun started his European Championships quietly. A few hours after qualifying for the doubles round of 16 alongside his brother Alexis, 21, Félix (18 years old and world No. 7) upheld his status as favorite by dismissing Yigenler, 602nd in the world, 11-6, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7. There has never been a match between the fifth player in the world and the player from the qualifiers.
At the start of each set, the Montpélierrain took a comfortable lead and although he had a little difficulty finishing the first and last sets, he did not have the slightest fear. Seeded N.1 in Linz, the youngest of the Lebrun brothers is among the big favorites for the title, two months after winning two bronze medals at the Paris Olympic Games, in teams and in singles. He will face the Swede Mattias Falck (33), 23rd in the world, in the next round for the first real test of his week.
His brother, Alexis, who is seeded No.7, also did not provide details against the Hungarian Bence Majoros (251st), “an aggressive player“against whom he”had lost two years ago when starting to play in pro A“, but which he also dismissed in four sets 11-7, 11-8, 11-8, 14-12.
