Present at  Top Padel Toulouse  on the occasion of the 3rd stage of the  FFT Padel Tour Eric Largeron, elected official in charge of padel at the French Tennis Federation, provided a very comprehensive overview of the current situation:  rapidly improving level of play, reform of the national circuit, review of the ranking system, rise of young players, territorial development and economic challenges .

 A French training program that relies on an entire ecosystem 

Although many young people from the CNE were in this P2000, Éric Largeron insists on the need to “pay tribute to private academies”, citing in particular Yannick Maurel, Jean-Thomas Peyrou and other actors.

According to him, “the model works because it is collective: young people are trained upstream in private structures, before joining the CNE, where the FFT can do something with them in perfect conditions”.

The idea is clear:  French padel is progressing thanks to a complementary relationship between the federation and the courts. .

 Juan Alday: a logical choice for the French national team 

The appointment of Juan Alday is part of this performance-driven approach. Largeron explains bluntly that "when you coach Alix Collombon, you already have a certain advantage," highlighting the immediate credibility of the Spanish coach.

He took the opportunity to thank Robin Haziza for his “very professional” work, despite a sometimes delicate context, particularly during the European championships.

With Alday, the FFT aims to "write a new chapter," drawing on recognized expertise in women's padel, complemented by Baptiste Bénétoux's experience. The contribution of a "foreign culture" is seen as a powerful driver for progress.

Juan Alday appointed coach of the French women's national team

 A major overhaul of the circuit: make way for the P3000s 

This is one of the predicted turning points: the  P2000s become P3000s , with an increase in points but also in prize money.

The elected official in charge of padel specifically mentions a prize of around 3000 euros for the winning pair, with an explicit rationale: “some are trying to make a living from it, we are going to help them”.

This change is accompanied by a global reorganization:

  • P1500 clubs become P2000 clubs
  • The P1000s remain very numerous (approximately 130 per year).

Initially in favour of giving more space to clubs, he admits to having changed his position, believing that the FFT can now offer “an excellent product” with solid partners.

 Wildcards to support young players… but with balance 

On the issue of wildcards, the line is clear: they must be used to “give young players a boost”.

But without favoritism. Largeron insists that they “are not reserved for CNE players”, and also reminds us of the importance of respecting the pairs on the waiting list.

He even specifies that “some wildcards are deliberately not awarded, in order to preserve sporting fairness”.

In this context, the associations of young players, the changes of partners and the opportunities offered demonstrate a system that is in motion, but well thought out.

 The CNE: a successful first year, but choices to come 

After a first season deemed very positive — “a perfect launch” — the FFT is already considering the evolution of the CNE.

One possible solution: adjusting the age criteria, with the idea that a 17-year-old player may no longer be a priority.

The selection process is based on calls for applications, where the level, potential and overall project are assessed.

For young people, the message is simple: go through the  TNJ where federal officials closely monitor performance.

 New categories and reflections on intermediate levels 

The appearance of  P50  It addresses an identified need: creating an intermediate level between P25 and P100. Largeron speaks of a “good lever” for players on the rise.

In contrast, the P500 raises more questions. Sometimes considered unattractive, it suffers from a points system and organization that could be improved.

Adjustments are being considered, particularly to avoid inconsistent situations where a player performs better in P500 than in P250.

As he points out, nothing is improvised: "when you have an idea, you have to explore it further."

eric largeron fft padel tour toulouse

 A ranking system that needs rethinking in light of the explosion in the number of players 

With over  115,000 ranked male players  et  17 in women The current system is reaching its limits.

Largeron notes that we are “no longer in a classic numbered ranking”, with very dense ranks (top 50, top 10,000, etc.).

Among the possible solutions: moving towards a system of  series , or even a hybrid model inspired by squash or badminton.

He insists on a key point: it is impossible today to deal with cases individually in a system that has become massive.

Padel In France: the 150,000 competitor mark has been crossed

 International circuit: freedom for the players, but a message sent. 

Regarding the absence of some French players in national tournaments, Largeron is clear-sighted: players naturally go where they have the best chance of scoring points.

The FFT respects this choice, but sends a message: playing in France remains important.

It also financially supports FIP tournaments organized in the country, while using wildcards to guarantee a French presence.

 A development that needs to be managed: beware of saturation 

The padel boom also poses structural challenges. Largeron warns of certain areas "already saturated", where clubs are multiplying tournaments to survive economically.

He warns against the “uncontrolled establishment of private structures”, which could weaken the ecosystem.

The objective is clear: to find a balance between development and viability.

 Boost Padel : supporting less developed territories 

The plan  Boost Padel  aims to support less well-equipped areas.

The principle: to help clubs build 2 to 4 tracks, with costs shared between local authorities and the federation.

This scheme does not target large cities that are already well-equipped, but developing areas where padel still needs to be structured.

Boost Padel : the FFT offers a 0% loan for the construction of 500 tracks

 Professionalization is still incomplete. 

Despite the improved level of play, the economic model remains fragile. Largeron points out that many players still have to work other jobs.

Some give lessons, others have a job on the side, which limits their ability to play internationally.

But the trend is clear: padel “will very quickly deserve to be professionalized”, with a more solid economy.

In conclusion, Éric Largeron emphasizes a key point: French padel is still under construction.

He compares it to the beginnings of tennis, with the same challenges of structuring and professionalization.

The ambition is clear: not to be a victim of this growth, but to accompany it intelligently, by remaining attentive and drawing inspiration from other models.

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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