Victorious at the WTT Champions in Montpellier in 2024, Félix Lebrun begins the defense of his title this Tuesday against the Dane Jonathan Groth. Before entering the fray against an opponent he knows well, the number 1 in French table tennis shared his ambitions at the microphone of RMC Sport.
Félix Lebrun, back in Montpellier, what does it feel like to be there as title holder and at home?
It’s nice to be able to play in this room again. I have incredible memories from last year, so I'm looking forward to tonight and getting that rush of adrenaline and fun back when we enter the room.
>> WTT Champions: Félix Lebrun's match LIVE
Your painting is a Dane, Jonathan Groth, behind potentially a Frenchman, Simon Gauzy or Lilian Bardet. What do you think of this draw and your table?
The draw is not great, there are many players from the same nations who meet in the first round, notably two Frenchmen. And if I win, potentially another second Franco-French duel. It wasn't what we wanted, but it's like that now. We will each focus on our competition and me individually, try to go as far as possible. As always in Champions, each match is difficult. I'll try to see match by match, we'll see what happens, but I hope to go as far as possible.
Didn't you get lucky with your brother in the draw?
No, it was Alex who did all the shit. He drew it badly, each time it was he who drew the same two countries. We haven't been good, it's been two years in a row that a lot of French people have fallen. It's the same for girls, so it's not great.
You are the title holder, we are all wondering if he can do it back to back here. What can it play into for you to be able to put on a performance like last year?
I think I may be able to do it. Afterwards, between being able to do it and achieving it, there is a world of difference. For me, that’s obviously my goal, I come here, I want to go for the title. But there are a lot of players who have the same goal as me, so we'll see. I will give myself the means to try to play at least one big tournament. And if I can get the title, I will give everything for it.
