the essential
Despite a contusion in the buttock, the player from Stade Toulousain Tennis Padel passed the “qualifying” at the Balma League Center, before reaching the doubles final.
“Forfeiting never crossed my mind. I approached this tournament without stress.” A bad fall in training could have caused him to miss this 1st edition (October 19-26). But Louka Krynen (Stade Toulousain Tennis Padel) was indeed present on the clay court of the Balma League Center.
“I was injured a week before the start of the event. I was unable to walk for two days. As a result, I played the competition with a bruise in my buttock,” explains the Stadist, bib N .4 in qualifying. Winner of three matches, he was able to enter the main draw. The adventure ended against a Spaniard (6-4, 2-6, 7-6). But the 16-year-old still managed to extend his run by reaching the doubles final.
“My family and friends in the stands galvanized me”
A regular at the League Center, the Toulouse native obviously had good references. “I train on this site once or twice a week. The pitches are really good quality. My family and friends in the stands galvanized me,” he explains. However, in the first round of “qualifying”, he was hot. “Yes, I came through in the super tie-break, 10 points to 8. Behind, I won the next two matches in two sets. I played really well each time. Afterwards, I must admit that this defeat Entering the final table leaves me with regrets because I had two match points. The game lasted almost three hours. I was finding it increasingly difficult to serve due to my injury. “I had to change my position but the results remain largely positive”, summarizes the teenager.
As for doubles, he teamed up with his compatriot Clément Hacquard (licensed at Istres Sports Tennis). “He saw me playing in the qualifiers and suggested that we join forces. We quickly got along well. Our playing styles were complementary. For our entry into the competition, we beat the Spaniards, European champions. And in the final, we lost in two sets (7-6, 7-5, Editor’s note)”, comments the Stadiste, already an unfortunate finalist at the beginning of September in Bayonne alongside Columérin Enzo Champigneulle.
Pro B Interclubs in the viewfinder
In his diary, Louka must take part in the Colomiers tournament (2nd stage of the Racquet Circuit “La Dépêche du Midi – BNP Paribas”), which ends this weekend. But another competition is on his mind. “In November, there are also the Interclubs for which Stade Toulousain returns to Pro B. I should have the opportunity to play one or more matches, notably in doubles with Théo Arribagé. It is an honor to be able to defend the colors of my club. And at this level (second national level, Editor’s note), it will be a great experience”, says the one who is currently ranked 1/6.
Senegal
