Alongside the Spaniard  Ferran Insa Benjamin Tison secured one of the finest victories of his career by dominating  Maxi Sanchez  et  Juan Ignacio Rubini , seeded 1rd in  FIP Silver Narbonne , on the score of  6 / 4 6 / 2 Facing the former world number 1 and one of Argentina's great prospects, the former French number 1 delivered a solid performance, while keeping a cool head when analyzing the feat.

 Interview at The Set Padel Narbonne. 

"Ferran was monstrous."

 Benjamin, how do you feel after this victory? 

Very happy, obviously. Firstly, because beating a sporting legend like  Maxi Sanchez It's never insignificant. But you also have to stay clear-headed. I played with a partner who was phenomenal today. Ferran had an incredible game.

I'm lucky to be here because I hardly train anymore. These days, I mostly dedicate my time to coaching young people. So, experiencing moments like these is definitely special.

But I'm not one to get carried away after a victory. I also think that our opponents didn't play their best match.

"When they accelerated, we held on."

 Yet when they tried to get back in the game, you were there... 

Yes, and that's probably the most positive aspect of the match.

At one point, they really tried to raise their level of play. They targeted me a lot, they tried to break me down. And then, I held on.

I was courageous in the important moments. When I was down 0-30, I kept playing the right way. Mentally, I stayed focused.

That's what satisfies me the most today.

Benjamin Tison after his victory against Maxi Sanchez: "I'm not completely dead yet!"

"The old hand is still managing to get by."

 You're greatly downplaying your performance. Yet you were very solid… 

(Laughs)

Let's just say that Ferran was incredible and that I, the old veteran, am still managing to get by.

I know how to recognize when opponents are playing below their usual level. Today was one of those days. But I still had to take advantage of it.

And when they tried to come back, they were given nothing.

In the end, with Ferran's incredible cross volley that allowed us to make the double break, I think it completely stunned them.

"I said I wasn't completely dead yet."

 Is this victory a way of responding to certain people? 

(Laughs)

There are indeed two people who will recognize themselves.

I had said that I wasn't completely dead yet.

If that's what it means to be dead, then I'd gladly die right now!

Benjamin Tison after his victory against Maxi Sanchez: "I'm not completely dead yet!"

The French national team is always in the back of my mind

 Can this victory reignite the debate surrounding the French national team? 

I've always said the same thing.

I explained that this would probably be my last year because there's a generation of young players coming up very strong. I honestly think that today, some of them are at a higher level than me.

But I never said I would refuse a selection.

If I am selected, I will always be there.

After Narbonne, there will be a training camp with a larger group. We'll see if I'm part of it.

"I have never contested a decision."

 Can the result of this match change anything? 

Frankly, I don't know.

Everything is understandable.

I have never challenged a selection decision and I will not start today.

If I am called up, it will be an immense joy.

If I am not, I will encourage the young players I coach who have earned their place.

In any case, I will be happy.

Benjamin Tison after his victory against Maxi Sanchez: "I'm not completely dead yet!"

"I lost 7 kilos without performing any miracles."

 Everyone has noticed your weight loss. What's your secret? 

I don't have a magic bullet.

I simply stopped snacking between meals and reduced my starch intake in the evening.

Besides that, I'm also very lucky genetically. My father is very slim and I've always had a physique that allows me to lose weight easily.

"I play once every two weeks."

 And yet you keep beating world-class players… 

It's true that I play very little.

Honestly, I play once a week or even once every two weeks sometimes.

But I have a racket in my hand every day thanks to my coaching work. I think that helps a lot.

And then the eye is still there.

A look towards the semi-final

After eliminating the top seeds, Benjamin Tison and Ferran Insa continue their run in Narbonne with a place in the semi-finals secured. They will face another all-Argentine pair: Franco Dal Bianco and Maximo Jesus. The tournament's sixth seeds are the heavy favorites. But clearly, that doesn't intimidate the Franco-Spanish duo.

The match will be broadcast this Sunday at 10:30 AM on Padel Magazine TV.

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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