Even though singles remains the main priority for Christo Popov, stopping doubles with his brother Toma Junior Popov is not something the French star is considering anytime soon. For the Popov brothers, doubles is both a serious project – and an important source of joy during long tournament weeks.
It is no secret that Christo Popov had a great 2025 “I did great since my final in Swiss Open last year. That was my first good performance of the year” Popov says.
Soon after came another highlight when he claimed bronze in men’s singles at the European Championships. His semifinal match against compatriot Alex Lanier was one he still remembers as incredibly close.
“It was a really close match with Alex that could have gone both ways in the end”
At the same European Championships, however, Popov also reached the very top in another discipline. Together with his brother Toma Junior Popov, he captured the men’s doubles title.
Still, when he looks back at the past year, Popov believes his biggest achievement was the consistency he managed to maintain over several months.
“There were a lot of semifinals in big tournaments, and that’s probably what I will remember the most” he says. “Winning tournaments is amazing, but being consistent for almost six months and performing at a high level – I think that was the best half year of my young career.”
Another unforgettable moment came at the French Open, where competing on home soil made the experience particularly special.
“Playing on home soil is always very different. There can be a lot of expectations and disappointments, but I think I made a great run.”
Interestingly, he even sees motivation in the fact that he did not win the tournament.
“I actually think it’s nice that I didn’t win” he says with a smile. “It might sound strange, but it means there is still one more step for me to achieve at the French Open.”
The season concluded with a win at the BWF World Tour Finals, which he simply describes as “great”.
A serious doubles project
Despite both players focusing heavily on singles, the doubles partnership is no joke or gimmick.
“Right now it’s off the table” Popov says when asked about the idea of stopping. “We have a serious project in doubles, as we have always had. After becoming European champions, I think it made it even more serious.”
Their success has also strengthened their role for France in major team competitions as we saw last month at the European Men's Team Championships and maybe see again next month at the Thomas Cup.
“I think we can be a good weapon for France, even though it’s not our main goal” he says.
Keeping the joy in the game
While the singles results have become better and better, one thing remains essential for Christo Popov: the fun.
For him, doubles offers something different from the at times pressure-filled world of singles.
“It’s just a lot of fun” he says. “For me – and I think for my brother as well – doubles is a way during tournaments to enjoy ourselves on court.”
That enjoyment is important in a sport that can quickly become mentally demanding.
“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.”
No reason to stop
The Popov Brothers are currently the only doubles pair on the World Tour where both players also compete in singles. At the same time, it has become increasingly rare to see doubles players compete in both men’s or women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
With a European title already to their name and a partnership that still brings both results and smiles, doubles remains a valuable part of their badminton journey ahead.
