Revelation of French badminton, Alex Lanier has just achieved a historic feat. At 19, the Norman prodigy became the first French player to reach such a world ranking in singles. A look back at an extraordinary journey that has only just begun…
In the shadow of the tenors of French sport, a new star is emerging: Alex Lanier. At only 19 years old, this badminton prodigy has just achieved a historic feat by becoming world No. 15 in singles, the best ranking ever achieved by a Frenchman. An accomplishment all the more remarkable as it comes only a year after his senior debut. Who is this young champion who left to make the history of his sport? Dive into the journey of a phenomenon.
Revealed at the highest level at 18
Originally from Normandy, Alex Lanier took his first steps on the badminton courts at the age of 7, encouraged by a father who was himself a player. Very quickly, his talent came to light. Champion of France in all youth categories, he is regularly upgraded to face older opponents. A precocity which does not frighten him, quite the contrary.
In 2023, for his first full senior season, Alex created a sensation by winning the Japan Open, a major tournament on the world circuit. At 18, he became the youngest Frenchman in history to win in a Super 750, the second toughest tournament category. This prestigious victory opens the doors to the world top 30 and draws the spotlight on him.
The feat in Denmark
But it was last week, at the Danish Open, that Alex Lanier entered a new dimension. By reaching the semi-final of this Super 750 tournament, the Frenchman achieved the best performance of his young career. In the quarter-finals, he dominated world number 1 and double Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, signing a benchmark victory.
This major performance allows him to jump from 21st to 15th place in the world. Unheard of for a French singles player. “I’m living a waking dream,” reacted the main person concerned. “Beating Axelsen and reaching this ranking is incredible. But I don’t plan to stop there. I am aiming for the top 10 in the world by the end of the season.”
In the footsteps of the Popov brothers
With this new status, Alex Lanier follows in the footsteps of other big names in French badminton. Until now, only Toma Junior Popov had managed to enter the top 20 (18th), eclipsing the record of Brice Leverdez (19th). Now ranked 19th in the world, the eldest of the Popov brothers remains a model and a source of inspiration for Alex, who does not hesitate to ask him to progress.
Toma led the way. With his brother Christo, they showed that the French could play leading roles. I want to be part of this tradition and continue to make our colors shine.
– Alex Lanier, French number 1 in singles badminton
In mixed doubles too, French badminton shines thanks to the pair Delphine Delrue / Thom Gicquel, 23rd in the world despite an early elimination in Denmark.
Paris 2024 in sight
If Alex Lanier has taken a huge step forward, his biggest challenge remains to come: the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. The young prodigy makes no secret of it, his absolute dream is “to win an Olympic medal in France” . To do this, he knows that he will still have to go further in order to worry the Asian stars, who monopolize the podiums.
In a year, Alex will notably target the Chinese Shi Yu Qi, current world number 1. “You will have to be at 200% on the big day. I will give everything to be ready,” he promises. Until then, the native of Évreux hopes to string together performances on the circuit to establish his status and gain maximum confidence.
A champion mentality
Beyond his immense talent, it is his unfailing mentality that impresses Alex Lanier. When the important points are at stake, when the pressure is maximum, the Frenchman knows how to raise his level of play to reverse compromised situations. Mental strength that makes the difference at the highest level.
Alex is a born competitor. He has this rage to win which characterizes great champions. Nothing scares him and that’s what makes him so formidable.
– A member of the French team management
Flawless determination coupled with keen tactical sense. Because the young prodigy also excels in reading the game. Able to adapt to all opponent styles, he varies the patterns to destabilize his opponents. A major asset in a sport where the strategic dimension is essential.
The beginning of a great story
Today, one thing is certain: Alex Lanier has all the makings of a future great champion. A hard worker in training, he leaves nothing to chance to achieve his goals. His meteoric rise continues to surprise and the Frenchman dreams big for the rest of his career.
I want to make the history of my sport, become the first French world No. 1 in singles and offer medals to my country. It’s a long road, I’m only at the beginning. But I am ready to give everything to get there.
– Alex Lanier
More than a promise, Alex Lanier embodies new hope for French badminton. What if he manages to realize his immense potential in the years to come? Answer in the near future, with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in focus. The best is definitely yet to come for this prodigy called to achieve great things.
