Just days before the FIP Promises Paris by WME Sports, Zia Debroy arrives in Lésigny with a solid foundation. A resident of the Vichy National Training Center, the young Frenchwoman will compete in the U16 and U18 categories alongside Augustine Charpentier. In an interview given to  Padel Magazine She looks back on her discovery of padel, her first year at the CNE, her experience at the European Junior Championships and her ambitions for the end of the season.

It wasn't love at first sight.

Unlike many young players, Zia Debroy did not fall in love with padel from her very first session.

Having come from a tennis background, she discovered the sport at her club, where a few lessons were offered.

"At first, I didn't really like it. I tried it once and it wasn't really my thing."

The turning point finally came thanks to Augustine Charpentier, whom she had known since she was six years old.

When the latter began to compete in the French Championships and then the first tournaments, Zia agreed to accompany her.

"She loved it right away. She wanted to do tournaments, so I said yes. And in the end, after several competitions, I really got hooked."

What attracted her?

"I think playing in pairs makes the sport more enjoyable."

Zia Debroy: "Play without pressure and continue to progress"

A first year at the CNE in Vichy

For the past year, the young player has been one of the residents of  Vichy National Training Center , an important step in his progress.

His integration took place gradually, after several exchanges between the Federation and his family.

CNE officials notably observed his performances in the National Youth Tournaments before proposing his entry into the structure.

Today, his daily life alternates between distance learning and training.

"We have classes via videoconference. Generally, we have two hours of classes per day, then a padel training session and a physical workout."

On the field, the work is divided according to the coaches' specialties.

"With Baptiste Benetoux, we work more on technique, while with Jérémy Garcia, we focus more on the tactical aspect."

A fifth-place finish in Europe that leaves room for regret.

Before joining Lésigny, Zia Debroy participated in the European Junior Championships in Portugal with the French team.

The French women's team had made a perfect start to their competition with a victory against Estonia.

The following match against Sweden proved to be much more contested.

"It was a very complicated match, but we managed to win our part."

However, the rest of the tournament became more complicated.

Defeated by Italy in the decisive match, the French women saw their hopes of reaching the semi-finals vanish.

"The Italians were very strong. The U14s played a very good match but they couldn't finish, which put us in a difficult situation right from the start of the game."

Despite this disappointment, the group quickly regained its motivation.

"We told ourselves we had to give it our all to finish in the best possible position."

The French women would ultimately finish fifth, before supporting the boys until their final.

The French U20 women's team finished 5th at the European Junior Championship after their victory against Belgium.

Team spirit as a driving force

Beyond the results, Zia Debroy especially remembers the atmosphere that prevailed within the French delegation.

Accustomed to tournaments where each pair defends its own colors, she discovered a whole new dimension with team competition.

"We were always there for the boys, and they also felt that our support helped them. It was truly a wonderful experience."

An adventure that naturally makes her want to experience this type of event again one day, especially with seniors.

A rise in power on the French circuit

Alongside her international competitions, Zia Debroy continues her progress on the French circuit with Augustine Charpentier.

The two players are now regularly appearing in the main draws of major national tournaments, after having had to go through qualifying rounds for a long time.

"At the beginning of the year, it was difficult to get directly into the main draws. Now, we sometimes benefit from wild cards, which allows us to earn points and continue to improve."

The duo notably distinguished themselves with a beautiful  fifth place in a P1500 , before continuing his training on the P2000.

P1500 VidaPadel No surprises, the top four seeds are all present in the semi-finals.

Delfi Brea, a source of inspiration

Although her schedule leaves her little time to follow the professional circuit, one player in particular catches her attention:  Delfi Brea .

"For me, she's the most complete. When I watch her play, I always think, 'Wow'."

An admiration fueled as much by the quality of his game as by his mental strength.

A FIP Promises to play without complexes

In Lésigny, Zia Debroy and Augustine Charpentier will have the distinction of being entered in two categories, the U16 and the U18.

A busy schedule that she is already familiar with.

"I already did it last year. We played a lot of matches in a row, but it went well."

The first major test could come quickly against the number 1 seed in the U16 draw. However, the Frenchwoman refuses to put undue pressure on herself.

"We tell ourselves we have nothing to lose. We know we'll have to give it our all in this match, and we're going for it."

Ambitious goals for the end of the season

When asked about her ambitions between now and the end of the year, the CNE resident displays clear objectives.

The first is to win the title of  champion of France  end of August.

On an individual level, she also aims for progress in the national rankings.

"A top 30 would be nice."

Finally, she hopes to reach a new level on the French circuit.

"Winning a P1000 would be really great."

Before that, all his attention is now focused on the  FIP Promises Paris where she will try, with Augustine Charpentier, to confirm the progress made in recent months and to continue her rise among the best young French players.

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!

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