Lyoma Hotelier and Aleksandra Karabanova crowned champions at Les Petits As 2026
Lyoma Hotelier and Aleksandra Karabanova won two very different finals against Richard Mitchell (6-0, 6-1) and Elizaveta Anikina (5-7, 7-6, 6-0)
Richard Mitchell (Switzerland), Lyoma Hotelier (Japan), Aleksandra Karabanova and Elizaveta Anikina (1st seed, Estonia), Petits As 2026 | © Jeronimo Acero / Tennis Majors
The 44th edition of Les Petits As – Le Mondial Wilson concluded in Tarbes with two contrasting finals that highlighted the depth of the 14 and Under Super Category. Japan’s Lyoma Hotelier and Aleksandra Karabanova emerged as the singles victors on the indoor hard courts of the Parc des Expositions, adding their names to a roll of honor that includes Rafael Nadal and Martina Hingis.
Lyoma Hotelier dominates Richard Mitchell to claim boys singles title
Lyoma Hotelier, a 13-year-old prospect from Japan, produced one of the most clinical performances in recent tournament history to secure the boys’ singles trophy on February 1, 2026. Facing Switzerland’s Richard Mitchell in the final, Hotelier showcased the same form that saw him claim the Bolton title just a week prior. The Japanese youngster dismantled Mitchell’s game with relentless consistency and aggressive baseline play, moving through the match in just under an hour.
The final score of 6-0, 6-1 reflected a match where Mitchell struggled to find any rhythm against the pace of the Japanese champion. Hotelier becomes the latest international prospect to dominate in Tarbes, confirming his status as the current leader of his age group.
Reflecting on his journey in a short press conference, Hotelier said: “I focused on my game and consistency. I’m a little nervous of course. But don’t don’t get angry. My place is attacking. The young champion, who expressed a deep affection for the host country by saying “I love France”, is already looking toward the professional ranks. “Next step is I try ITF tournament. Hotelier is inspired by his idol, Roger Federer : “My dream is to be number one in the world. And I want victories in the Grand Slams.”
Aleksandra Karabanova completes comeback against Elizaveta Anikina
The girls’ singles final provided a higher level of drama as Aleksandra Karabanova, the 10th seed, staged a massive recovery to defeat the top seed from Estonia, Elizaveta Anikina. Anikina seemed poised for the title after taking the opening set and pushing the second to a tiebreak. However, Karabanova found another gear under pressure, clinching the second set before steamrolling through the decider.
Karabanova secured the championship with a 5-7, 7-6, 6-0 victory. The 13-year-old’s triumph was even more impressive as she finished the week with two trophies, having also won the girls’ doubles final alongside Polina Kashitsyna against Varvara Makarova and Ildana Zaripova 6-3, 7-5.
