What a week it has been in the world of badminton! The latest BWF World Rankings, released on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, have delivered some truly exciting news, particularly for Chinese sensation Shi Yuqi and rising French star Alex Lanier.
After a phenomenal run of form, Shi Yuqi has once again ascended to the pinnacle of men’s singles badminton, reclaiming his rightful place as the World No. 1! This incredible achievement comes on the heels of back-to-back triumphant performances at two of the most prestigious tournaments on the BWF calendar: the Japan Open 2025 and the China Open 2025.
His dominant displays in both events showcased his unparalleled skill, tactical brilliance, and unwavering determination, leaving no doubt that he is currently the player to beat.
The badminton world has watched in awe as Shi Yuqi meticulously worked his way back to the top, proving his resilience and exceptional talent. His consistent high-level play has been a masterclass in modern badminton, and this return to World No. 1 is a testament to his dedication.
While Shi Yuqi’s return to the top is undoubtedly the headline, another equally compelling story is that of Alex Lanier of France, who has reached a career-best ranking of World No. 7!
This is a truly remarkable feat for the young Frenchman, who has been steadily climbing the ranks with his impressive performances and fearless approach to the game.
Lanier’s ascent into the top 10 signifies a major breakthrough for French badminton and highlights the growing depth of talent in the men’s singles circuit.
His dynamic playstyle and ability to challenge established players have made him a fan favorite, and his current ranking is a well-deserved reward for his hard work and dedication.
But the good news for French badminton doesn’t stop there! Another promising talent, Christo Popov, has also achieved his career-best ranking this week, breaking into the Top 10 at the No. 10 spot.
This double success for French men’s singles players is a clear indication of the exciting future ahead for the sport in France. Both Lanier and Popov represent a new wave of talent that is ready to challenge the traditional powerhouses of badminton.
The latest rankings also show the familiar faces of Anders Antonsen at No. 2, Kunlavut Vitidsarn at No. 3, and Li Shi Feng at No. 4, maintaining their strong positions. Jonatan Christie holds steady at No. 5, followed by Chou Tien Chen at No. 6. Rounding out the top 8 is Kodai Naraoka at No. 8.
The men’s singles circuit is incredibly competitive, and these new rankings truly reflect the current landscape of the game.
Congratulations to Shi Yuqi on his magnificent return to World No. 1, and a huge round of applause for Alex Lanier and Christo Popov for reaching their career-best rankings. We eagerly await to see how these rankings evolve in the coming weeks and months as the race for glory continues!