Félix Lebrun made history on March 23, 2025, as he achieved his first title in the French Table Tennis Championships by defeating his older brother Alexis in a thrilling final held at the Palais des Sports Marcel Cerdan in Levallois-Perret. The match, which unfolded with dramatic momentum shifts, concluded with a score of 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 14-16, 8-11, 12-10, and 11-7, after a seven-set battle.
Following the trajectory of their competitive history, this final was highly anticipated as both brothers are not only siblings but also Olympic medalists, with the Lebruns serving as the faces of French table tennis. Alexis, the reigning three-time champion, had previously dominated Félix in their last three championship encounters. Yet this time, the tables turned significantly as Félix, only 18 years old, showcased exceptional resilience.
The Lebrun brothers began their journey to this final during the semi-finals on the previous day. Alexis, at 21, faced Jules Rolland and secured a quick victory without losing a set, demonstrating his typical dominance as he swept through with scores of 11-7, 11-5, 11-6, and 11-9. Félix, for his part, tackled Romain Ruiz, winning decisively with 11-7, 11-9, 11-8, and 11-3. Both victories demonstrated the prowess that would lead them to clash in the finals.
The match itself saw Félix assert early control, winning the first two sets in tightly contested exchanges, reflecting a score of 11-9 in both. However, Alexis, showcasing his experience, mounted a comeback taking the next two sets, resulting in intense pressure on Félix as he faced match points against his older brother.
"Félix showed incredible intensity right from the start," Alexis noted in an emotional post-match statement, acknowledging his younger brother's performance. This was the first time Alexis faced defeat in the finals of the French Championships after his impressive three-year streak.
As Félix fought to stave off defeat, he responded to Alexis's challenge, winning the sixth set 12-10 and forcing a decisive seventh set. The tension escalated as fans filled the hall, with each point drawing cheers and gasps as both players exchanged powerful shots and clever tactics. Ultimately, Félix sealed the championship with dominant play and composure, finishing the final set 11-7.
Félix expressed his feelings of triumph, stating, "It was incredible and I played an extraordinary match. I had to against Alexis. This is a dream!" He also took the opportunity to congratulate his brother for his exceptional year in the sport.
This victory not only crowned Félix Lebrun as the national champion but also marked a significant moment in their rivalry, drawing a line under Alexis's previous successes. It demonstrated a changing of the guard in French table tennis, signaling that Félix is now a dominant force in the sport.
The French public is embracing the Lebrun brothers, as demonstrated by a recent poll revealing that 92% of the population holds a favorable opinion of them, a testament to their soaring popularity and the growth of table tennis in France.
Amid this familial rivalry, the brothers have now set the stage for their professional futures, paving the way to exciting competitions ahead. Both athletes have hinted at their ambition to continue their ascent in the sport, leaving fans eager for their next encounters.
