Olympic Games Paris 2024. Félix Lebrun: “The public is as hot as can be”, “an ideal first match” before a “tough” sequel

Félix Lebrun started ideally with a 4-0 victory over the Indian Harmeet Desai. MAXPPP – David Le Deodic

The young 17-year-old from Montpellier started his first Olympics perfectly with a clear victory (4-0) in the 32nd finals which gives him “confidence”, he confided this Sunday July 28.

“It's incredible. It's my first match here. I came yesterday (Saturday) to get into the mood with Jia Nan and Alexis. It was already incredible, so I thought about it a bit yesterday so as not to arrive too tense at the match. But to experience it for real, it was exceptional. The whole crowd is excited as hell, so I can't wait to play again tomorrow (Monday).

It's incredibly exciting. We experienced this in 10 times less in Montpellier, during the French championships.

“I was a little tense before. I had prepared for the scenario”

Didn't feel very tense during this match ? So much the better. I was a little tense before. I had prepared for the scenario, if it went well or not well. I think I played a very good match for a first match here. It's the Olympic Games after all, my first. And a first round is never easy, so I'm very happy with my mental state.

The most important thing is that I was able to try out the things we've been working on over the last month and a half.

Kallberg in the round of 16 is a very tough opponent

We trained a lot. It worked really well, so it's very positive for the future. The score is wide, but at the same time, the gap in sets is not that big. There are things to learn from it for the next match. But it was really an ideal first match.

In the round of 16, Anton Kallberg was ranked 13th in the world three weeks ago. He is a very tough opponent. It is true that my draw is obviously not an easy draw. We will see how it goes. I know that I have already beaten them all. So anything is possible. I am very confident. I can't wait for tomorrow.”