He is the flagship recruit. Accustomed, when younger, to scouring local tournaments during her holidays, Bayonnaise Jessika Ponchet signed with the BO, where her father Johan had played in the first team. Last May, when the Biarritz club was scrapping in N1, the former resident of the Capbreton club – where she trained with her mother – was in full preparation for Roland-Garros. The rise to Pro B made his arrival possible.
His last collective meetings date back to when he was 14, 15 years old. “I realize that I missed it a lot,” concedes the 28-year-old tennis player for whom this experience will be a real breath of fresh air, just before returning to the pro tour, where she is on the verge of the top 100, after reaching the third round of the US Open. “It's nice to play as a team, to be with several people, to have a coach at the side of the pitch, to make meals together. On the circuit, you are often alone. It's long. The emotional burden is quite heavy to manage. There, I let myself be carried away, it's super refreshing, it feels good. »
Biarritz – Longvic
Lieu Biarritz (Aguilera sports park) Hourly Sunday from 9:30 a.m.
BIARRITZ
The group. Ponchet (N7), Monnet (N19), De Ezcurra (-4/6), Martial (-4/6), Lansman (-2/6), Zhyteln (1/6)
How did you arrive at Biarritz Olympique?
It's been several years since I received offers from other clubs, in the north or around Paris. There wasn't really too much competition, I didn't have to think for long. In my mind, Biarritz immediately took priority. When he contacted me, I had a very good feeling with Jérôme (Barrier, the president, Editor's note). It's a club that I really like, where I train regularly and where I know everyone. I almost feel like I'm home.
Are tag team matches something you enjoy?
The question was asked several times whether I was going to play in a team or not. It didn't happen because I was on the circuit. I was offered to play at this level but in really distant clubs. I found that it lost its flavor. I needed to be able to play for a club that I truly consider to be home. There, that changes a lot of things. My family and loved ones will finally be able to come. It's more user-friendly.
During the first day in Annecy-le-Vieux, you came close to a draw (4-2 defeat). Is there room for maintenance?
I think. This first meeting got us into the swing of things very quickly. We had a lot to deal with. In addition to Carole Monnet (number 2, Editor's note) who was playing in the final of a doubles tournament, another teammate was injured the same morning. The scores of the matches seemed harsh but the young people fought and did their best. They had to face 150 Annecy supporters, it's not easy to manage. I hope the trend will reverse at home.
How do you approach this first in Aguilera, this Sunday, against Longvic?
On paper, we will face the strongest team. None of us will have easy matches. But it will be great to be able to play with the support of our ultras. They are extraordinary, ultra-motivated. Some made the trip by minibus to Annecy. They left after work on Friday evening to come and support us. It's great to have such supporters. I don't think other clubs can say the same. I'm looking forward to it.
Verbatim remarks from President Jérôme Barrier
The recruitment of Jessika Ponchet. “As we want to work locally, if we can find and support regional talent, that suits us very well. With Jessika, it happened quite naturally. She brings all her experience to the youngest. »
The championship. “There is a lot of hope for survival. Last week, Longvic lost 5-1 and it was 3-3 in the other match. Every meeting is important. There are always surprises, there can be injuries, players who are in other tournaments. The teams may be different every weekend. We will keep hope. We'll see this weekend. We hope to have Carole Monnet (250th in the world), another great recruit. »
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