Anders Antonsen is the YONEX French Open 2025 men’s singles champion. In the final of the Super 750 tournament, the world number three defeated home favourite Christo Popov in straight games, 21-12 21-19.
The Dane looked in control fromearly on, staying focused despite a packed Glaz Arena fully behind Popov. After securing the first game confidently, the second was a different story. Popov really started fighting back, especially midway through it, taking the lead. The crowd cheered louder and louder but Antonsen stayed in the game and took the win.
“I really can’t believe that I managed to go all the way,” said Antonsen after the match. “It’s been an extremely tough week, physically and emotionally. I’m so proud of myself and thankful for the people who have helped me so much.”
Coming into the final, Antonsen wasn’t even sure if he would be able to make it. “I was, to be honest, in quite a lot of pain in my feet and my toes. I don’t know… It was chaotic, for sure, with the fans, but I was able to stay super calm,” he said. “I also know the feeling that being on home soil is amazing when it goes well. When it’s not going so well, you start to realise the fans are a little quieter. This is not a good feeling. I tried to twist it and see the positives in being on away soil today.”
Popov didn’t go down easily and Antonsen knew he wouldn’t. “Christo is a tough, tough guy. When I had the lead in the second towards the end, I told myself, he’s a Popov. He’s going to fight and he’s going to come back. And that’s what he did.”
This is Antonsen’s tenth World Tour title and his first ever French Open gold. “It means absolutely everything,” he said. “To win these titles is what I’ve been practicing and playing for my whole career. It’s about titles. It’s what you remember.”
After a busy few weeks, it’s now time for a break. “Vacation. Rest,” he said smiling. “It’s actually quite unbelievable. I guess the thing is, just book the vacation prior to the tournament and then it goes well.”
Behind the scenes, he's had immense support. His older brother Kasper was in the coaching chair together with Jan Ø. Jørgensen. “They are supporting me in every single way they can. If it’s taking off my shoes or putting on my underpants so that I don’t cramp. Everything I can tell them to do, I know they’ll do it 100%. It’s amazing.”
His next big goal are the World Tour Finals but for now, Antonsen will savour this moment. “I’m a French Open champion. I can say that for the rest of my life now.”
You can see all of the results from the finals here.
Next up is the last tournament of the European leg of the World Tour, the HYLO Open 2025, which starts tomorrow. Stay tuned from updates live from the tournament.
