On the occasion of the first stage of the Curva Tour Tecnifibre organized at GPadel Strasbourg, Adrien Maigret spoke at length about his start to the season, his ambitions for the French national team, his search for a partner for the French Championships, his attachment to the blue jersey and his vision of high-level padel. At 37, the Parisian remains driven by the fire of competition and by a clear objective: to prove that he can still have a role to play at the highest level in France.

An irregular start to the year, between physical form and personal realities

Since December, Adrien Maigret has been playing alongside Jerome Inzerillo, but the results are mixed.

“We've had our ups and downs. We've played well, but we've also had some poor performances. It's due to one simple thing: we were both a little less fit. Jérôme trains less than last year, competes less. And I recently became a dad, so I've been a bit of a slouch. We had to get back in shape.”

But the player wants to be reassuring about his current condition:

“I'm starting to get better and better physically, I'm getting back to a very good level. The idea is to be ready in June for a potential French team training camp, if I'm selected.”

The objective is clear: to return to the national team and finally win the title of champion of France, the only one still missing from his list of achievements.

An assumed separation from Inzerillo and a new project to build

The decision to end with Inzerillo was not rushed.

“It wasn't a decision made on a whim. We insisted, discussed it a lot, but it didn't work out. I need a younger player who brings me a physical dimension that I have a little less of today.”

Maigret had quickly targeted Maxime Joris, with whom he wished to associate:

“I've been wanting to play with him for some time. He controls the game well and is constantly improving. Unfortunately, he decided not to compete in the French Championships with me.”

Today, he finds himself without a partner for the competition, but remains cautious:

“I have some leads, but nothing has been decided yet. I'll give myself until March 28th to confirm my pair.”

2025 French Championships – Big surprises for the men, the women continue

Potential partners: renewal, but also old

Among the names mentioned, several possibilities: young people on the rise, but also experienced profiles.

Jeremiah Scatena :
“He's still training, he's playing a little less, but he's still at a good level. Off the track, it's a pleasure to spend a weekend with him. He's still ranked well, which would allow him to be among the 12 qualified pairs.”
“But playing on the right is not really my goal, even if I can do it in a tournament.”

Yann Auradou :
“I think he's playing very well. He's back to a good level. The role he has at the federation seems to be fulfilling him. He's mentally comfortable, more relaxed. He's training a little less, but he's showing a very good level.”

Arthur Hugounenq :
“He's improving with every tournament. He's played some great matches with good partners. He beat Moreau/Seurin last year with Timéo Fonteny. He's shown he can beat very strong players.”

But the difficulty also comes from the timing of the separation from Inzerillo:

“All the players are already committed. That complicates things.”

(NB: it will finally be with Jérémy Scatena)

The profile of the French team's “joker”

Adrien Maigret has always been present during major competitions. He perfectly assumes this role as the French team's "wild card."

“I think Pablo (Ayma) knows that. He knows that in these moments, he can count on me. The French team is what drives me the most.”

He particularly remembers his participation in the last European Championships:

“I was injured at the training camp. Despite everything, Pablo trusted me. I started with Johan Bergeron. We almost beat Italy. We came close to winning a match against a player ranked 50th in the world.”

“I have an atypical, attacking style. Not the best defensively, but with a good player at my side, I can perform very well.”

Analysis of the forces present for France

According to him, the big favorites are identified:

“Thomas Leygue and Bastien Blanqué are clearly at the top. Behind them, watch out for Benjamin Tison and Maxime Forcin.”

He insists on Forcin:

“I've said it many times, Max Forcin is underrated. He doesn't have a 100% padel project, so his level is often overlooked. But he's shown he can be very good on the court.”

“It's working well with Benjamin. They won the P2000 without too much difficulty. I'm placing them as pair number 2.”

He also evokes Dylan Guichard and Manuel Vives, hoping for a return from injury from Vives. The competition is such that according to him, It's never been so difficult to come up with a favorites list.

Benjamin Tison in blue? “I’d take him”

Maigret is clear: if he were a coach, Tison would be part of the group.

“He has a unique experience. And he still plays very well. He can excel in these kinds of events.”

He also points out that many players can occupy the left position, making the selection more flexible.

“Joe (Bergeron) plays very well on the left. Thomas (Leygue) too. If I were a coach, I would take five right-handers.”

Equipment: a Curva racket suitable for fast conditions

Asked about the racket he is holding in his hands, Adrien is categorical:

“This has been my racket for several months. But in the summer, the conditions are faster, especially with the Wilson balls we use in P2000. They are very lively, almost like tennis balls.”

“I use the Curva Soft for more control. A racquet that's too powerful can be detrimental to me.”

And inevitably we think of Miguel Lamperti, which changes racket depending on the conditions:

“A lot of players do that, even though he was the only one who really communicated it.”

A lucid critique of the extreme conditions on the circuit

Adrien Maigret does not hide his frustration with tournaments played in conditions that are too fast, such as in Santiago, at an altitude of 1000 meters:

“This isn't padel. It's another sport. It's too fast. The first one to hit wins.”

He regrets that the show suffers as a result:

“For the public, it's not representative. We no longer see viboras or bandejas. We see smashes. It gives a false image of padel.”

He calls for better regulation:

“You have to adapt the balls to the conditions. It's like in World Padel Tour at the time, with the Pro and Pro S categories.”

It evokes the Miami tournament, as a good example:

“It was perfect. We saw every move. Chingotto was able to shine, as was Galán. We must preserve this richness.”

Finally, he points out that women often offer a more readable game for amateurs:

“Beginners like to watch women because there are more variations. The exchanges are more accessible. With men, it becomes too physical, too fast.”

Adrien Maigret, a committed player and keen observer, has lost none of his motivation. In search of a partner, he prepares for his deadlines with seriousness and lucidity. It remains to be seen whether coach Pablo Ayma will renew his trust in him... and if the tricolor flame will shine once again alongside him in major international competitions.

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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