Two goals beckon for the Popov brothers at the upcoming 2026 European Championships: a first singles crown for either of them, and defence of their men’s doubles title.
Their title last year made them the first French men’s pair to accomplish that feat; in singles both brothers have stumbled at the final step: Christo in 2023 and Toma Junior in 2024 and 2025.
This year, Christo will be among the standout favourites in singles considering his fortunes over the last 12 months, the highlight of which was his title at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2025. Having won the German Open recently (he beat his brother in the final) and made the quarterfinals of the All England, Christo will have momentum going in to Huelva.
The Popovs have a doubles title to defend.
The All England was illustrative of the challenges the Popovs face as they continue to pursue both disciplines at the highest level. Christo beat Loh Kean Yew, while Toma Junior fell in a 75-minute match to Kunlavut Vitidsarn. They would team up for a late match against former world champions Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi, which they won in a thriller after an hour-long contest, 21-19 in the third.
By the next day, Christo couldn’t offer much resistance to (eventual champion) Lin Chun-Yi; the doubles was better, but against top seeds Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae, the Popov brothers put up a strong fight before falling 21-14 in the third.
The often-asked question of them, therefore, is whether two disciplines at the elite level does take a lot out of them in their individual pursuits. For now, the brothers are in no doubt that doubles does aid their singles by making competing fun.
“We have a serious project in doubles, as we have always had. After becoming European champions, I think it made it even more serious,” Christo told Badminton Europe.
“It’s just a lot of fun. For me – and I think for my brother as well – doubles is a way during tournaments to enjoy ourselves on court.
“At this level it can easily become not only about being happy on court, but also about a lot of work. Sometimes it can be tough mentally to stay at a very high level all the time. Doubles helps with that.”
Catch the Popov brothers in action at the European Championships (6-12 April) in Huelva, Spain.
BWF Newsletter
