"Everything was scripted," said Christo Popov to Badminton Europe after defeating Indonesia's Zaki Ubaidillah in three sets to claim the French Open 2026 men's singles title.
The win also allowed the Frenchman to claim the world No. 1 ranking after an incredible afternoon in Tremblay-en-France where everything seemed to come together for the Frenchman.
It was the kind of scene, that belonged in a movie, said Popov after the win. "Everything was already like the path was for me. I guess I took it."
Popov looked completely in control during the opening set which he won 21-11, before Ubaidillah fought back to take the second set 21-14. However, Popov kept his cool to win the deciding set 21-13 to the immense celebrations of a passionate crowd in Paris.
"I was very emotional and nervous," Popov admitted. "When you have the match in your hand, and it kind of is taken away... I fought very hard, and I think in those moments that's what I'm best at doing."
After winning the final point, the European champion threw his racket to the floor in disbelief and let out a triumphant roar.
It was the second successive year that Popov reached the final but last year lost to Dane Anders Antonsen who was eliminated in the first round of the tournament this year.
"If there was a day I needed to win, it's this one," Popov said.