From shadow to light. Beaten to everyone's surprise by the German Benedikt Duda (3-4) in the quarter-finals of the European Championships last week, Félix Lebrun left Linz (Austria) frustrated despite his doubles title with his older brother Alexis, who had stolen the show by achieving a historic double. In Montpellier, which hosted its first WTT Champions, the equivalent of a Masters 1000 in tennis, the younger brother knew he was expected but perhaps a little less than his brother. This is why Félix Lebrun’s title is historic.
First European winner of a WTT tournament
Beating the Japanese Tomokazu Harimoto (4-1) in the final this Sunday, October 27, “Féfé” signed a major feat since he became the first Frenchman to win a tournament of this level. Better yet, he is the first European in history to win in this category. “I played at my best levelhe said after the match. And when I play at this level, I can compete and beat the best players in the world.”Like number 2 Lin Shidong whom he swept (4-0) in the half.
18 years old and already back in the Top 5 in the world
Semi-finalist of the prestigious Grand Smash in Singapore, youngest European to reach one of the first five places in the WTT rankings (17 years, 6 months and 7 days), double medalist at the Games (single and team), Félix Lebrun reached the summits in 2024. The 18-year-old should return to the Top 5 in the world, which he reached for the first time in March.
Alone on his land
“To know that for a year, I am the title holder of this Champions in Montpellier (where he was born like his brother)it's crazy »declared Félix Lebrun after his title. The Hérault city organized a WTT Champions for the first time. And if the city of Hérault has had this honor, it is thanks to the popularity of its two Lebrun heroes which is skyrocketing. After the success of this tournament, Montpellier now dreams of organizing the world championships in 2027. So maybe?
Finally victorious over his brother
In four confrontations against his “brother”, Félix Lebrun had never won. It was not until the WTT Champions in Montpellier that he broke this curse in the face of his nemesis. However, he was not made the favorite for this quarter-final that everyone was waiting for after the draw. And Félix did it at the moment when Alexis surely seemed the strongest after his European title.
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A nice gain in your pocket
With this coronation, Félix Lebrun pockets a nice little check. While the tournament's prize money amounted to 500,000 euros, the Frenchman will receive a check for 27,600 euros. A little less than what he won (40,000 euros) for his two medals at the Games.
