Remember Manuel Vives, old 143rd player in the world, now classified 274eA few months ago, he told us about his health concerns, his doubts, but also his ambitions: to play in major tournaments again, to return to the French team.

He wanted to participate in the Paris Major : it's done.
He wanted to dispute the French Championships : this weekend at Casa Padel TRES, he went far beyond his expectations.
He dreamed of finding the tricolor jersey for the European Championships : barring any accidents, he will definitely be part of the adventure.

At just 25 years old, the brand new champion of France is experiencing a true renaissance.

Wounds in the light

Just six months ago, his morale was at rock bottom. After surgery on his left shoulder, it was his right that was causing him problems. Would he finally see the light at the end of the tunnel? Would he be able to play again without pain?

In recent weeks, he has taken part in a number of FIP tournaments to regain his strength. I want to be 100% for the French Championships " he explained to us recently. A challenge met, and even largely exceeded. Alongside Dylan Guichard, one of the “Daltons”, the eccentric left-hander, Vives found the best answer.

The year in review

Not only did he return to his best, but he arguably achieved the point of the year. On match point, in a stifling final against Bastien Blanqué and Nicolas Rouanet, Vives offered his team the title of French champion 2025.

« Is this a dream? Will they wake me up? What is this match point? " could be read on his face after this surreal exchange, which will have to be seen again and again. Everything is summed up there: the months of suffering, the doubt, the work, the return to competition, and that touch of magic.

So how can we still doubt?
How can I say that Manu Vives does not deserve his wild card at Roland-Garros ?
How can I say that he doesn't deserve his place in France team for the next Euro?

The Parisian responded on the pitch, with his play, his fighting spirit, and his emotion. And this point, which will undoubtedly remain in the memory, symbolizes how far he has come.

Manu Vives will soon celebrate his 26th birthday with a whole new status: that of a champion who has come a long way. A few well-deserved days of rest, and he will set off again to conquer points on the FIP Tour, with a clear objective: to at least regain its rank in the world top 150.

One thing is sure: the man who comes back from the dead has not finished making people talk about him.

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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