Yann Auradou: “10th P1000 won and perhaps the most beautiful!”

Yann AuradouToday Interregional Federal Sports Referent for the FFTwon with Mathis Dupont-Brimbeuf the P1000 Impact Stadium of La Rochelledefeating Alexis Coloubeau and Ludovico Cancel in an intense finale. Beyond this success, Yann confides in his career, his ambitions, and his role in the progression of young players of padel.

Analysis of the final

Can you come back to this final against Coloubeau/Cancel?
“In the first set… I think we played too much on Ludo [Cancel]and he really got the better of Mathis. What made the difference in the second and third sets was that we varied a little more, notably by playing more on Alex [Coulombeau]. And above all, Mathis adjusted, he was more aggressive and touched his gates. We both showed more initiative, which helped change the dynamic of the match.”
The third set was particularly contested. How did you experience it?
“It was very close. We had break points almost in every game, but on the other hand, on our service games, we often found ourselves at 0-30. At 5-4 against us, they had three match points, but we managed to save them, sometimes with improbable shots. There were some really notable points, like the one where I fell or a let ball that passed. Finally, we snatched victory in the tie-break, which we won 7-1. Honestly, it was a high quality match from both sides. If they had won, it would have been deserved too.”

A special victory

What does this victory mean to you?
“It’s a P1000 that I won after a long time without a title. It’s also my tenth P1000, so it’s symbolic. Plus, this time I played on the left, which I hadn't done for two years. Usually I played on the right, so that makes this victory even more special for me. I would even say that it is one of my best victories in P1000, especially because I play less and train less today.”

Looking to the future

What are your goals for the future?
“I don’t really have any specific goals anymore. My ambition is above all to help young players progress, like Mathis, who is 24 years old. For my part, I just want to maintain a decent level, between 40th and 60th place. This allows me to remain credible as captain of the France team.”
You now play with several partners. Why this choice?
“I enjoy playing with different players. This allows me to vary and adapt, whether left or right. With a left-hander, for example, I can set up on the left, which helps. But the main goal remains to have fun on the field while earning some P1000. The pressure is less now, so it’s more enjoyable.”
What role does your training play in maintaining you at this level?
“Since I have worked at the Federation, I have been training more physically. I have access to a gym, and I try to stay in shape after my days at the office. It makes the difference on the pitch, even if I play less often.”