Tommy Popov explains why the decisive rallies slipped away

At the BWF World Championship in New Delhi, the Popov brothers faced Japan’s Takumi Nomura and Yuichi Shimogami in the men’s doubles draw. The French side fell short, losing key rallies that decided the match.

Tommy Popov identified the moments after the serve and return as the turning points. “The rally’s middle is where the Japanese gained momentum,” he said. “Our third shot wasn’t sharp enough, and their proactive defence forced us into the back foot.”

He also emphasized that the limited recovery time after his singles match hampered his ability to react quickly. “When you’re fatigued, those split‑second decisions matter even more,” Tommy noted.

Cristóbal Popov echoed his brother’s sentiments, stating that each match is prepared for on its own merits, regardless of external factors. “We are professionals; we compete to win, not because we have a backup plan,” he affirmed.

The brothers continue to juggle singles and doubles throughout the tournament, a combination that tests stamina and strategic adaptability.