In an electrifying showdown at the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan in Levallois-Perret on March 23, 2025, Félix Lebrun triumphed over his older brother Alexis Lebrun, clinching his first French Table Tennis Championship title. The match, marked by intense rallies and dramatic turns, concluded with a score of 4-3, making this a memorable turn in their familial rivalry.
Félix, the 18-year-old rising star and world-ranked 6th, faced off against his brother Alexis, the three-time defending champion, in a highly anticipated final that drew a full crowd. The Lebrun brothers reigned supreme on the championship stage, having already won the doubles title together just a day prior, demonstrating their remarkable synergy throughout the event.
In the singles final, Félix started strong, taking the first two sets in consecutive 11-9 victories, putting pressure on Alexis from the very beginning. However, Alexis, age 21 and ranked 9th in the world, resiliently fought back, winning the third set 12-10 and the fourth set 16-14, igniting hopes of a comeback. As the match progressed, the tension escalated, resembling a classic tale of sibling rivalry.
Midway through the encounter, Alexis seemed poised for victory, even reaching a match point in the decisive sixth set. But Félix, demonstrating his incredible mental fortitude, saved the match point and rallied to take the sixth set 11-9, pushing the match to a dramatic seventh and final set. There, Félix's determination shone through as he maintained control, eventually winning the set 11-7 and sealing the championship.
Félix’s victory was not just about the title; it represented a personal milestone after being bested by Alexis in their previous encounters. He expressed his joy post-match, stating, “I’m thrilled to finally achieve this title, especially against my brother.” This first championship win comes after years of striving, where the younger Lebrun has faced both triumphs and setbacks.
The earlier rounds set the stage for this climactic finale. Both brothers had dominated their semi-final matches earlier on March 23, 2025, with Félix defeating Romain Ruiz 4-0 and Alexis similarly dispatching Jules Rolland 4-0. Their performances leading up to the final showcased their skill and determination to battle for the coveted singles title.
Their final encounter not only underscored their individual talents but also highlighted the growing competitive spirit within their family, with both brothers determined to leave their mark on French table tennis history. As Félix celebrated his first title, the rapport between the brothers remained as strong as ever, filled with mutual respect and friendly rivalry.
Looking ahead, both brothers are expected to continue their pursuit of titles, potentially facing each other again in the future. With this victory, Félix now balances the historical head-to-head record at 2 wins for him and 5 for Alexis, suggesting there are plenty of matches left in their competitive saga.
As the brothers look towards future tournaments, the excitement for their next face-off will undoubtedly attract attention. Today’s final has set the stage for a thrilling rivalry that promises many more chapters in the years to come.
