2026 Mediterranean Games: A women's selection that opens the debate

La French tennis federation unveiled the selection that will represent France at the Mediterranean Games 2026 , organized at Taranto (Italy) du August 21 to September 3 A historic edition, since for the first time since the event's creation in 1951, the paddle will be an official discipline with medals at stake in men , Women et mixte .

Mediterranean Games 2026: France unveils its selection for a historic padel event

In the ladies, Juan Alday retained Charlotte Soubrié , Steffi Merah , Lucile Pothier et Louise Bahurel .

While this selection relies on experienced players, one choice in particular stands out: the first call-up of Steffi Merah in the French national team.

Aside from the "Big 4" of Alix Collombon, Léa Godallier, Carla Touly, and, to a lesser extent, the young Louise Bahurel, many other players can legitimately aspire to a place on the French national team. Whatever the coach's choice, it is likely to spark debate, or even controversy.

Merah preferred to Mansart, Sireix or Barla

The presence of Steffi Merah (147th) is the main surprise of this list, while also embodying its true novelty.

Several other players also seemed capable of claiming this fourth place.

This is particularly the case Camille Sireix (133rd), French international, who today boasts a better world ranking and is stringing together solid results on the FIP Tour .

Another name that naturally comes up: Clara Mansart Having been in the spotlight for several months, the player is having an excellent season. She has achieved several impressive results in international tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals and semifinals on the circuit. FIP , as well as victories against players from the Top 100 worldwide His results on the French circuit also confirm his progress.

Finally Kimy Barla could also hope to join the group. The Frenchwoman is having one of the best starts to a season in her career and recently joined the Top 200 worldwide , while also achieving numerous good performances on the international circuit.

Logical absences at the top of the rankings

Conversely, the absences of the three best French players are not surprising.

Alix Collombon , Léa Godallier et Carla Toully chose to prioritize the calendar Premier Padel et FIP Tour .

A consistent choice in light of their sporting objectives and their progress in the world rankings.

A selection that will be closely watched

The level of competition behind the best French players has never been so high, and several profiles seemed to have strong arguments to join this team, only 4 places are available so choices had to be made.

However, it is important to remember that Steffi Merah She too arrives with a very strong case. The Frenchwoman is having a convincing season on the FIP Tour , Including a final in FIP Bronze , a FIP Silver semi-final et a quarter-final in FIP Gold These results show that she is capable of performing at a very high level on the international stage and undoubtedly influenced the coach's decision.

It will now be up to the French team to show that their choices were the right ones during this historic first padel tournament. Mediterranean games , an event that represents a new and important step in the development of the discipline.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !