The sporting world witnessed a remarkable showdown on March 23, 2025, at the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan in Levallois, as Félix Lebrun clinched his first French Championship title by defeating his elder brother, Alexis Lebrun. This electrifying encounter, dubbed the "finale between brothers," marked a significant turning point in their rivalry.
Félix, at just 18 years old, managed to break the streak of his brother, who had been the reigning champion for three consecutive years. The match concluded dramatically with a score of 4-3 (9-11, 9-11, 12-10, 16-14, 11-8, 10-12, 8-11), highlighting the intense competition between the two athletes.
The road to the final saw both brothers showcase their skills and determination. Earlier that day, Alexis defeated Jules Rolland in a straightforward match that lasted only 26 minutes, wrapping it up with a score of 4-0 (11-7, 11-5, 11-6, 11-9). Félix also dominated his semi-final against Romain Ruiz with a similar scoreline of 4-0 (11-7, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3), proving his commendable form leading into the final.
Félix and Alexis had already partnered up the day before to win the doubles title on March 22, further cementing their status as the top table tennis duo in France. The brothers' achievements in doubles competition made their rivalry in singles not only thrilling but historical, as they have consistently faced off in the finals for the past three years.
This year’s final held extra significance for Félix. After losing to Alexis in both the 2023 and 2024 finals, he was motivated to finally claim the title that had eluded him. Having gained considerable experience and confidence from their prior encounters, Félix came into the match knowing he could compete at the highest level.
During the final match, tension was palpable as the two exchanged points in nail-biting rallies. Although Alexis initially led the match, Félix displayed remarkable resilience. After dropping the first two sets, he rallied back to win the third and fourth sets in stunning fashion, demonstrating his ability to adapt and respond under pressure.
“It was incredible; I played an extraordinary match against Alexis,” Félix said in a post-match interview. His victory felt like a dream come true, and he acknowledged the challenges posed by his brother's skill and experience.
Alexis, despite the disappointment of losing, expressed admiration for his younger brother’s effort. “Félix brought so much intensity right from the start, and I had to elevate my game. It took a toll on me emotionally and physically,” said Alexis, indicating the high stakes and emotional investment both players had in this family rivalry.
The brothers’ matching styles—Félix's aggressive plays and Alexis's strategic defenses—made the match particularly engaging for the audience. When the deciding moments approached, Félix secured several crucial points, ultimately sealing his victory with a decisive move that forced Alexis into an error.
As the match concluded, Félix celebrated on the table as a ritual reminiscent of his brother's celebrations in past victories, signaling not only his triumph but a significant moment in their familial history. He acknowledged Alexis's past achievements, honoring the brother who had once topped him at every turn.
The significance of this victory extends beyond just personal pride; Félix’s win also marks a new chapter in French table tennis history, as it is rare for two players from the same family, both ranked within the world's top ten, to compete in such high-stakes matches.
The competitive spirit and mutual respect between the Lebrun brothers have captivated fans and are seen as a representation of family legacy at the forefront of French sports. As they continue to push each other to new heights, the rivalry is expected to blossom even further. Both brothers have expressed their excitement for future competitions, including upcoming international events.
Furthermore, this match emphasized the evolving landscape of French table tennis where young talents like Félix are emerging to challenge established champions like Alexis. The anticipation of the next championship meeting between the two brothers adds an extra layer of excitement for fans and competitors alike.
In summary, the 2025 French Championships not only showcased the skills of two outstanding athletes but also highlighted the warmth and rivalry inherent in their sibling relationship. With this victory, Félix Lebrun has established his name in the annals of table tennis history and set the scene for many more thrilling encounters in the future.
