Three French Players Advance to YONEX French Open 2026 Semifinals

Three French entries advanced to the semifinals of the YONEX French Open 2026 on Friday in Paris, delivering a strong performance for the home crowd across the tournament’s quarterfinal matches.

Alex Lanier and Christo Popov Advance in Singles

Alex Lanier survived an exhausting all-French battle against Toma Junior Popov to secure his place in the next round. Lanier dropped the first game before fighting back to win 16-21, 21-16, 21-16. I just gave everything. I’m just pushing my limits, Lanier said after the match.

Christo Popov joined his compatriot in the semifinals by defeating Japan’s Kodai Naraoka 21-15, 21-16. You get these goosebumps. You want to enjoy the wins with them, Popov said regarding the home support in Paris.

Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue Reach Mixed Doubles Semifinals

Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue completed the trio of French successes on Friday. The pair fought back from an opening-game loss to defeat Chinese Taipei’s Wu Guan Xun and Lee Chia Hsin 21-23, 21-12, 21-14. We really wanted to join the boys tomorrow, the pair said after reaching their first French Open semifinal.

European Contenders Bow Out in Paris

While the home players advanced, other European journeys concluded during Friday’s quarterfinals. Germany’s Marvin Seidel and Thuc Phuong Nguyen narrowly missed out on the semifinals following a strong performance. The Stoeva sisters and Denmark’s Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje also exited the tournament in the quarterfinal round.

Saturday Semifinal Fixtures in Paris

The three remaining French competitors face demanding tests on Saturday. Lanier meets Indonesia’s Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah, Christo Popov takes on China’s Hu Zhe An, and Gicquel and Delrue play top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping.

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