Nathan Courrin, a player between two generations of French padel

Au FIP Bronze Rivesaltes , Nathan Courrin confirmed that he was one of the young French players to watch. The 21-year-old from Lyon, associated with Thomas Seux He reached the quarterfinals of the tournament, continuing his steady progress on the international circuit. Between results, daily life, and medium-term ambitions, the tennis-trained player is moving forward with an increasingly clear vision of his sporting project.

A solid return alongside Seux

The week started well for the pair Courrin / Seux in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The French team passed their first round with authority despite a last-minute change of opponent.

"We were supposed to play the number 1 seed, but there was a forfeit. So we faced the number 9 seed and we won." 6 / 4 6 / 0 »

This success confirms the promising start of this recently revived partnership. The two players know each other well and decided to team up again after several months working on different projects.

"Thomas asked me if I had someone to play with. It's difficult to find a truly committed partner for the FIP tournaments. In the end, he suggested we play together again."

The initial results are encouraging. The pair notably distinguished themselves in France, with a remarkable victory at the P2000 Toulouse salary. Benjamin Tison et Adrien Maigret .

"We've played some good matches since we resumed training. So far, it's been quite positive."

Between studies and the international circuit

Nathan Courrin is currently leading a dual project: sports and academic As a sports management student in Lyon, he benefits from a modified curriculum to reconcile studies and competition.

Last year, this scheme allowed him to spend several months in Spain, at Barcelona , in order to experience the Spanish padel environment.

"I had one online class per week, so I chose to go to Barcelona to experience the training there and the Spanish pace of life."

Finally, after this semester abroad, he decided to continue his development in France.

Back in Lyon, he is now training at the All In Academy where he found a work environment that suited him.

"I felt I was making really good progress there and that the daily routine suited me. So I didn't feel the need to go back to Barcelona."

The typical week is organized around physical sessions, individual training and group work, with a program adapted to frequent travel to tournaments.

"We often leave on Thursdays for the FIP, so the week is structured around that."

A generation between two waves

At 21, Nathan Courrin belongs to an intermediate generation of French padel players. A unique position in a sport that has structured itself very rapidly in recent years.

"I'm kind of in between ages. When we talk about very young players, we often mention players like Yoan Boronad or Timeo Fonteny."

The Lyon player remains one of the highest-ranked French players of his generation and is currently around the 13th place in the national ranking .

In this highly competitive environment, particularly on the right, the French national team remains an important objective.

"There is an extended group of about twenty players being monitored by the staff. I am part of it."

The monitoring is still light but the players remain observed, especially during tournaments.

"We sent in our tournament schedules. And Yann Auradou is often there to coach us and monitor the results.

Heading to the FIP circuit

To improve his ranking, Courrin's strategy is now clear: to play in more international tournaments.

"France is no longer really the priority."

The player continues to participate in some major national events, notably the P2000 , but the bulk of the season is built around the FIP circuit.

"If you want to get ahead of other French players, you have to go and play internationally."

Calendar management also depends on points acquired the previous year.

"We have points to defend, so we need to play a lot."

Tournaments also serve as an extension of the work done in training.

"Matches allow you to see if what you work on in training actually works in competition."

The increase in the number of international tournaments in France represents an important opportunity for French players.

"This year there are many more FIP programs in France. It's a great development."

An offensive player who is perfecting his defense

On the field, Nathan Courrin has a well-defined profile: an attacking right-sided player, capable of putting a lot of pressure on the opposition.

"My strong point is clearly the triple smash."

He also relies on his speed at the net and his ability to move forward in the rally.

"I think my strengths are the volley where I move quickly, the blocks... and the smash."

But like many former tennis players, the transition to padel required significant work on his defense.

"At first, defense wasn't my priority. I mostly liked moving forward and attacking the net."

Since then, he has been working more on variations and defensive phases.

"We need to improve the lob, vary the rhythm, work on the chiquita... There are always plenty of things to improve."

His left-handedness also offers him certain specific tactical options.

"I work a lot on the parallel lob to the opponent's backhand."

The importance of Jessica Ginier in his progression

In Lyon, Nathan Courrin plays under the supervision of Jessica Ginier , a historical figure in French padel.

Despite a complicated personal period — cruciate ligament injury and pregnancy — the former international remains very involved with the players.

"She always follows our matches and our results."

For Courrin, his role is central to his progress.

"I also stayed at the academy for her. I really like the way she trains me."

A relationship based on demands.

"She's very tough on me, but I need it because I'm very demanding of myself in training."

Three objectives for the coming years

At 21, the Lyon native is moving forward with simple and structured objectives.

The first concerns his studies.

"My goal is simply to complete my third year and obtain my bachelor's degree."

The second is obviously sporting: to join the French national team.

"I would definitely like to be part of the French national team."

Finally, Courrin aims for a significant improvement in the world rankings.

"If at the end of the year I am world top 200 "That will mean I played really well."

An ambitious but consistent objective for a player who, tournament after tournament, continues to build his place in the French padel scene.

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!