Augustine Charpentier: "We can really see that the work of the CNE is starting to bear fruit"

On the occasion of FIP Promises Paris by WME Sports Augustine Charpentier returns to the Lésigny tracks alongside Zia Debroy. The resident of Vichy National Training Center comes back for Padel Magazine on his discovery of padel, his association with his long-time partner, his arrival at the CNE, the progress made this season, his experience at the European Junior Championships and his ambitions for the end of the year.

Padel Magazine You discovered padel quite recently. How did it all begin?

Augustine Charpentier: I discovered padel in 2023. In the Hauts-de-France region, they needed a player to be a reserve for the U14 team during the French Championships. I accepted, even though, at that time, I mainly played tennis and padel didn't particularly appeal to me.

When I participated in that competition, I loved everything about padel. When I got back, I went to see Zia and suggested we play some tournaments together. That's how our whole adventure began.

Augustine Charpentier: "We can really see that the work of the CNE is starting to bear fruit."

Padel Magazine Your story with Zia Debroy goes back well before padel…

Augustine Charpentier: Yes, we've known each other since we were six years old. We started playing tennis the same year and, as we had a similar level, we ended up in the same training group, then in the competition section of our club.

We grew up together on the courts and we were even in the same school. This bond existed long before padel.

Padel Magazine You joined the CNE in Vichy together a year ago. How did the selection process go?

Augustine Charpentier: Initially, there was a preliminary list with several players from all over France. We were on it and were asked if we were interested in the project.

Then, a second, shorter list was drawn up. This time, we were really asked if we were ready to take the plunge. We took some time to think about it because it meant leaving our parents, our family, and our everyday life.

But when we discovered the infrastructure and everything that the CNE could offer us, we didn't hesitate for long.

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Padel Magazine Leaving your family at only fifteen years old wasn't too difficult?

Augustine Charpentier: It went rather well because I was with Zia. If I had been all alone, it would certainly have been more complicated.

We definitely miss our parents, but the days are very busy. Between classes, training, and physical preparation, we don't really have time to get bored.

Padel Magazine What does a typical day at the CNE look like?

Augustine Charpentier: We start with breakfast, then we follow our classes via videoconference with Acadomia for two or three hours.

Next comes padel training, followed by physical preparation. On some days, we simply reverse the order between court work and physical training.

Padel Magazine How do you organize your season between the CNE and competitions?

Augustine Charpentier: We train at the CNE all week and, generally, we play in two tournaments per month.

At each away game, the coaches accompany us and coach us directly during the competitions. This allows us to continue the work done in Vichy right through to the matches.

Padel Magazine What were the main areas of focus this season?

Augustine Charpentier: At the beginning of the year, we worked extensively on technique, especially defense.

For some time now, we've been developing the tactical aspect more, which is obviously essential in padel. But this first year has really been dedicated to consolidating our technical foundations.

Padel Magazine You mainly play with Zia, although you've also played with other partners…

Augustine Charpentier: Yes, I notably played with Lou Lambert Agosti, but this season we mainly played with Zia.

Next year, we might alternate a little more in order to discover other playing styles.

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Padel Magazine : Are you already feeling the effects of the work done at the CNE?

Augustine Charpentier: Yes, absolutely. At the beginning of the year, we had done very few tournaments. But as soon as we returned to competition, we felt that we were getting closer to the best French players.

That motivated us enormously. Today, I think we've taken a real step forward in our level of play.

Padel Magazine You just returned from the European Junior Championships in Portugal. How did you experience this competition?

Augustine Charpentier: We started with a 3-0 victory against Estonia. The whole team was very focused and that allowed us to get the competition off to a good start.

Then there was Sweden, a match we knew was very important. The U14s lost 6-3, 6-4, then with Zia, we managed to equalize by winning our match 7-5, 6-4.

The atmosphere was incredible. The whole team was cheering us on, even the boys. Then, the decisive U18 doubles match was more complicated, and the Swedish team won.

Padel Magazine You then faced Italy…

Augustine Charpentier: The U14s lost by a very narrow margin in the third set. After all the tension of the match against Sweden, it affected us a bit.

With Zia, we lost 6-3, 6-3. We didn't play badly, but perhaps we could have been more relaxed. The U18s then also lost, which took us out of contention for the semi-finals.

The French U20 women's team finished 5th at the European Junior Championship after their victory against Belgium.

Padel Magazine How did you find the motivation to go for fifth place?

Augustine Charpentier: We told ourselves that we were still a team and that just because we couldn't play the semi-finals didn't mean the tournament was over.

This fifth place was important for morale and to finish on a good note.

We beat the Netherlands 3-0, then Belgium 2-1. The U14s brought in a point and, with Zia, we won a very close match which allowed us to secure this fifth place.

Padel Magazine What is your main takeaway from this experience?

Augustine Charpentier: Team competitions are completely different.

In France, you only play for your own pair. Here, a whole team is behind you. The emotions are much stronger because you're also playing for others.

It's a truly unique experience and it definitely makes you want to discover the European Senior Championships one day.

Padel Magazine Do you regularly watch the professional circuit?

Augustine Charpentier: At the beginning of the year, not really. The coaches asked us to follow the matches more closely, especially those of Léa Godallier.

With Juan, we also did several video sessions of finals. He explained all the little details to us, the tactical choices, and the movements. This helps us understand why the best players perform so well.

Padel Magazine Is there a player who particularly inspires you?

Augustine Charpentier: I really like Delfi Brea I think her game is very intelligent. She always makes the right choices and I find her really very strong.

Padel Magazine You will be competing in two events at the FIP Promises Paris. How are you approaching this challenge?

Augustine Charpentier: Even though they are two different categories, everything takes place in the same location. Therefore, we don't want to favor one painting over the other.

We will play every match to the fullest, in both the U16 and U18 categories. We could quickly face the number 1 seed in the U16 category, but that doesn't change our approach. A seeded team is still a team that must be faced on the field.

Padel Magazine What are your goals for the end of this season?

Augustine Charpentier: My first goal is to continue climbing the French rankings. I'm currently 42nd and the objective is to break into the top 30 by the end of the year.

Next, I want to continue to progress with the CNE coaches on the technical and tactical aspects where we still have room for improvement.

And finally, most importantly, it's about continuing to enjoy myself on the pitch. That's what motivates me every day and what makes me want to improve.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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