PARIS — French badminton sensation Alex Lanier is gunning for a historic victory at the 2025 World Championships, which kick off today in the French capital. The world No. 7, who recently won the European Championships, has his sights set on the biggest prize in the sport — the World Champion title — and he aims to claim it on home soil.

“I want to win it here for France,” says Lanier

“Playing at home, in front of my country’s fans, is a dream come true. I want to make France proud and win it here. I know I have what it takes,” said Lanier (“Source).

Lanier’s Remarkable Rise

Lanier, 20, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent months. After storming to the European title, he solidified his status as a contender, defeating several Asian counterparts along the way. His victory over reigning world champion, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, sealed his reputation as a genuine threat to the Asian dominance in men’s singles.

The Asian Giants

The pathway to the title, however, is steeped with challenges. Lanier could face arch-nemesis and top seed, Kento Momota of Japan, or his Malaysian foe, Lee Chong Wei, in the semifinals. Standout Chinese shuttlers, Chen Long and Shi Yuqi, and a resurgent Lin Dan, are also looming large in the draw.

French Fans banking on Lanier’s magic

Despite the daunting odds, Lanier’s fans — and the French badminton fraternity — believe he has the goods to go all the way. With a home crowd roaring him on, the young Frenchman could pull off an upset for the ages.

• Lanier is the first Frenchman to be seeded in the top 10 at the World Championships.
• His best finish at the Worlds is the quarter-finals (2023).
• The Frenchman boasts an impressive head-to-head record against his Asian rivals.

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