Determination: France’s talented Alex Lanier believes that working hard and smart will get him to the top.
KUALA LUMPUR: Watch Alex Lanier fly.
The young star has set his sights on creating more history for France a fter a breakthrough year in the men’s singles.
Lanier, who turns 20 on Jan 26, announced himself as one of the hottest young talents in badminton by capturing the Japan Open title last August.
He became the first Frenchman to win a World Tour Super 750 title and reach No. 18 in the world.
Lanier pulled off huge upsets over the likes of China’s world No. 1 Shi Yuqi, Denmark’s world No. 2 Anders Antonsen and Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia (No. 6) last year.
Lanier is now out to prove that he is no flash in the pan and build on his impressive progress after competing in International Challenge events in the beginning of 2024.
“I have been working a lot to prepare first my body and to be strong on court to rise to the highest level,” said Lanier after a training session at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday ahead of the Malaysian Open which starts tomorrow.
“With a lot of work and a bit of luck, I found a way to beat the best players. I’m very excited to start this new year and try to do it again because now I need to prove myself all over again.”
He is next aiming to become the first world champion for France in the tournament which will be held in Paris in August.
“One of my targets is to win the world title in my home country this year,” said Lanier.
“I also want to break into the world’s top 5. There are also many World Tour events this year and I want to do well in those.
“I think I’m working every day to be one of the best and even with all these expectations on me, I will try my best to prove I can be one of the best players.
“I’m also working every day not just hard but also smart to be one of the best as fast as possible,” added Lanier.
For now, Lanier is out to impress in his first Super 1000 event in Malaysia.
The youngster though has to navigate a tough opening match against Thailand’s world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
This will be the first meeting between both the players.
“For sure it’s a new challenge for me to compete in my first Super 1000. I’m playing Kunlavut in the first round and obviously he’s really good.
“It’s a tough match but I’m ready and excited to play against him. I need to be at my best to beat him.”
