French U16 team: Blagnacaise Néhira Sanon will discover the blue jersey

“Honestly, I didn’t think about it at all. It was my father who told me the news. And it’s obviously a pleasant surprise. » A first selection for the national team, obviously, counts in a quest for high level. The Blagnacaise Néhira Sanon will therefore experience her baptism of fire in blue from January 31 to February 2, for the qualifying phase of the Winter Cup U16, team event. A meeting set in Feucherolles (Yvelines) alongside Belgium, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Turkey and Ukraine.

“I’m really happy. Of course, this is not an end in itself. But this selection still confirms that I am on the right track. However, I know that the road to the top level remains very, very long. This will boost me even more in everything I put in place on a daily basis to continue to progress,” continues the BTC blagnactennisclub.fr player, who will play alongside Cindy Langlais and Capucine Cedillo Vayson from Pradenne, under the leadership of the captain. Philippe Robin.

First steps on the ITF seniors circuit

Last November, Néhira went to Kenya to end his season on the ITF junior circuit, with a defeat in the semi-finals. This month, she returned to Nairobi. But this time, the Haut-Garonnaise took her first steps on the senior circuit. On the menu, two tournaments in the W35 category. Verdict: elimination in the 2nd round of “qualifying”, then an exit in the 2nd round of the main draw.

“Yes, there is a real difference between juniors and seniors. First of all, I met older opponents. And in the game, the shot quality and consistency are a notch above. Despite everything, I didn't give up. Beyond the scores, I remain satisfied with what I managed to produce. It gives me a good additional experience,” explains the teenager. The other positive point concerns his physique: “I get injured less than before. Therefore, it reassures me and gives me confidence.” Hopefully it lasts.