French Badminton Ace Christo Popov Sets Sights on All England Open Victory in Birmingham
French badminton star Christo Popov has declared his ambition to clinch the YONEX All England Open title in Birmingham, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing first-round exit in 2025. The 23-year-old is channelling the form that led him to win the BWF World Tour Finals men’s singles title last year, as he prepares for the prestigious tournament.
Popov's Recent Triumphs and Career Highlights
In December, Popov secured the biggest win of his career by defeating Shi Yuqi 21-19, 21-9 in the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China. This victory has fueled his drive to surpass his previous best at the All England Open, where he reached the singles semi-finals in 2024. "For 2026, my goal is I want to win [at the All England Open]," Popov stated. "I want to do better than I did two years ago."
He emphasised the tournament's significance, comparing it to Wimbledon in tennis. "The All England Open for me is a very special tournament because of the history. I’ve been watching since I was young and I used to dream about playing there," he added. "Performing there is something every player is aiming to do this year."
Rising Expectations and Competitive Pressure
Popov's recent successes have propelled him to fifth in the men’s singles world rankings, increasing both external and internal expectations. He noted that opponents now play more aggressively against him, especially in early rounds. "Everyone is now playing better than they did before against me," he explained. "Now, if you lose in the first or second rounds, it's very frustrating and it's not a good performance."
Reflecting on his growth, Popov highlighted how winning the Tour Finals proved his ability to maintain high-level play across multiple matches. "Going into 2026, I’m one of those players who is in the mix to win big tournaments," he asserted.
Past Experiences and Future Aspirations
Popov first competed at the All England Open in 2021, reaching the quarter-finals in men’s doubles with his brother Toma Junior. He described the experience as "amazing," recalling it as an early opportunity to compete alongside top-ranked players. "It’s great that I’ve had many more experiences afterwards, such as reaching the semi-final in 2024, and I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen this year," he said.
In addition to his World Tour Finals win, Popov has achieved notable results in recent years, including:
- Winning the 2025 European Championship gold in men’s doubles with Toma Junior.
- Securing the 2024 German and Hylo Open singles titles.
- Earning runners-up finishes at the 2025 Swiss and French Opens.
- Claiming singles bronze at last year’s European Championships.
His career also features three junior gold medals and two senior golds, underscoring his consistent performance at elite levels.
Event Details and Ticket Information
The YONEX All England Open, regarded as the most prestigious badminton event globally, will take place in Birmingham from 3rd to 8th March 2026. Tickets are currently available for purchase, offering fans the chance to witness top-tier badminton action live.
Popov expressed excitement about returning to Birmingham, saying, "I can’t wait to get on court in Birmingham at this amazing arena. I’ll see you all there." As he aims for glory, his journey highlights the intense competition and high stakes at one of badminton's premier tournaments.
