Frenchman Alex LANIER achieved a surprising win today in the men's singles against Japan's Koki WATANABE. Watanabe won the Yonex Swiss Open in 2023 against Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen and presumably started the tournament with a good feeling.
However, Lanier, world number 48, put up a tough fight right from the start: Watanabe repeatedly fell behind in the first set and lost 20-22. The Japanese player, who is currently ranked 19th, then went ahead to win the second set 21-18.
The crowd was loudly supporting Alex Lanier throughout the whole match. "Allez Alex" and other chants rang out over and over again throughout the stadium. Strengthened by this support, Lanier kept the upper hand in the third set and ultimately won 21-19. Watanabe now leaves early despite his success in 2023, while Lanier's adventure continues.
Result:
Alex LANIER (FRA) vs. Koki WATANABE (JPN), 22-20, 18-21, 21-19
