Benjamin Tison, former French number 1, is now responsible for high-level padel and the sports sector within the FFT. During the Fina Cupra Master Padel Tour at 4PADEL Toulouse, he discussed his experience, his challenges and his ambitions for the future.

A key role at the FFT and ambitious projects

For almost a year, Benjamin has been involved in his new role: “It's been almost a year, officially since January 5th. It's a totally different experience from my playing career, but very enriching. I'm part of a great team. On the padel management, there are 9 or 10 of us, and it's starting to take shape.” He details the organization in place: “Stéphane Berrafato and Saoud Raman structured the foundations. Today, in the sports sector, there is me, 4 referents and Alexia Dechaume. At the same time, Stéphanie Cohen-Aloro leads with a global vision. It is a beautiful machine that is moving forward.”
One of the major projects is the opening of the National Training Center in Vichy : “This project for 2025 is extremely motivating. All the preparation around this structure excites me.” Benjamin also discusses the role of the French teams: “Being with the teams is incredible, but sometimes frustrating. I would like to be on the field. This year has been marked by great stages, like the Greenweez Paris Major. I am learning a lot in this new position.”

The FFT opens its first National Training Center Padel in Vichy in 2025

Development of padel and prospects for 2025

The development of padel is a key issue: “Padel is growing, but structuring all this takes time. People are impatient, I was too as a player, but we are moving forward quickly.” Initiatives for young people are already bearing fruit: “During the last TNJ in Lyon, we reached a record with 79 players registered. This is a strong sign of the progression of padel in France.”
The objectives for 2025 are ambitious: “One of the major challenges is to formalize the high-level status for padel. This would be a major step forward. In addition, we will continue to develop the center in Vichy.” Benjamin also admits a slight disappointment linked to the last world championships: “Finishing 7th in both the men’s and women’s categories was frustrating. We will do everything to improve and aim for better.”

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And a possible return to the field?

Although focused on his role as manager, Benjamin does not rule out a return: “I sometimes play again for fun, but I never said I was stopping for good. It wasn’t the right time until now. With whom? That’s another question, but we’ll see.”

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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