French table tennis player Alexis Lebrun has made history by winning the Top 16 European tournament, held on February 23, 2025, in Montreux, Switzerland. This victory was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first time since 1997, when Jean-Philippe Gatien triumphed, for any French player to secure this prestigious title.
Lebrun entered the tournament with high hopes, aiming not only to bring home the title but also to avenge his younger brother Félix's earlier loss to German player Patrick Franziska, who had made his exit the day before. The elder of the Lebrun siblings, Alexis, showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition.
Starting strong, he faced off against Franziska in the semifinals, where he emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline (11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10). This match was pivotal for Lebrun, not only securing his place in the final but also demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure situations. Lebrun dominated the early sets of the match, taking leads of 4-0 and 7-2, capitalizing on his powerful serves and aggressive play. The end of the match saw him saving match points and using strategic counter-attacks to finalize his victory.
When it came time for the final, Alexis faced off against the formidable Darko Jorgic, the three-time reigning champion from Slovenia. The stakes were high, with Lebrun hoping to cement his place among Europe’s elite table tennis players. The final match was nothing short of spectacular. Lebrun won decisively with scores of 11-8, 10-12, 11-9, and 11-9, crafting his way through strong rallies and showcasing his tactical prowess throughout the match.
Lebrun started the final match with confidence, securing the first set without much opposition. Despite some setbacks, particularly losing the second set after initially leading, he maintained composure. The intensity of the match reached its peak as both players exchanged blows and showed remarkable resilience. Even when faced with adversity, Lebrun's tenacity shone through, especially during the third and fourth sets, where he executed critically timed plays to reclaim leads and secure the title.
After his impressive win, Alexis reflected on the significance of his victory. "I’m here to win the title. I’ve already done half the job," he remarked, hinting at his ambitions for his burgeoning career. Indeed, this victory added to his title as the 2024 European Champion, indicating not just skill but the potential for future successes at even greater levels.
Lebrun's triumph is not only personally rewarding but also monumental for French table tennis, as it ends a long wait for recognition on the European stage. The presence of his younger brother Félix, who suffered heartbreak just hours prior, added emotional weight to the victory. Félix, having been eliminated by Franziska, watched from the stands, but Alexis's success provides hope for the future of both brothers as they aspire to be among the top players globally.
With this title now secured, Alexis Lebrun has entered the top ranks of international table tennis, bringing attention to his talent and the Lebrun family's contribution to the sport. His achievement echoes the legacy of his uncle, Christophe Legout, who was the last French player to reach the Top 16 final back in 1999. The momentous scenes of victory included the French national anthem playing, as fans celebrated the long-awaited success.
Now, with newfound confidence and growing recognition, Alexis Lebrun is set to face the world with aspirations of greater accomplishments, determined to build on this foundational victory and perhaps to secure more titles. This Top 16 European Championship has placed him firmly on the map as one of Europe's rising stars, promising exciting prospects for the future.