Toma Junior Popov gave the host the best possible start against Turkey winning the first men’s singles.

The French team made a few changes for the tie against Turkey on Wednesday. One Popov replaced another:

Christo Popov was side-lined for his brother Toma Junior, who played the first men’s singles against Emre Lale.

Honoured to be first men’s singles
Popov won a thrilling first game 23-21 and the crowd in the stands and the team behind the court celebrated like they already won the tie. 

- I did not have a good feeling with the hall and the shuttles in the first game. I felt free after the first game. All the energy blew out of my body winning that first game, Toma Junior Popov said.

Popov won the second game 21-10 and he was happy to win his first match at the home soil championships.

- It was my first match and for the first time I was the first men’s singles for France. I am very proud. It is an honour, Popov said.

Ready for doubles
The Popov brothers have been on court in the singles, but the older brother hopes that the brothers also can enter the court together.

- We are a team within the French team. We support each other, and it is a great honour to play side-by-side with my brother, Toma Junior Popov stated.

- I want to play doubles, because we have the level to play a good second doubles, but it is the coaches choice.

France won 5-0 against Turkey.

Find all the results from the 2020 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships here