During the Cupra stage Padel Tour at the Paris Country Club, we discussed the hot news of Adrien Maigret, the Parisian, who has just landed a 4th place with Team France at the European ChampionshipsWe also discussed his unexpected separation from Julien Serin, the challenges of the upcoming French Championships, as well as a possible participation in the next world championships.

A dream life, like a 37 year old kid

Franck Binisti:
Adrien, you just came from the Parc des Princes, didn't you? A quick ride on your moped, and here you are at the Cupra Padel Tour. This must be an incredible weekend for you, with all these beautiful places. You're having a blast, aren't you?

Adrien Maigret:
Oh yes, for sure, it's an exceptional weekend. Yesterday, I was at the Parc des Princes for an incredible event with Mélissa Martin, Léa Godallier, and of course, Agustin Tapia. It was truly a crazy moment, and I was like a kid. As a lifelong PSG fan, being there, on that pitch, was unreal. When I did a few juggles in front of the pitch, I felt like it was my official presentation.

Do you remember when we started the padel and that we played in tournaments… we never imagined ourselves playing in such prestigious places. Whether it was the Parc des Princes, Roland-Garros or elsewhere, it's just incredible. We've played tournaments all over the world, but playing at the Parc des Princes, with a magnificent pitch, was something special. It really made you want to organize a tournament there! I really live a dream life, like a kid at 37 years old.

The pairs (too) often…

Franck Binisti:
Speaking of events, the French Championships are coming up. Many people are wondering about the pairings this year. It's quite unusual, isn't it?

Adrien Maigret:
Yes, that's true. The lineups were set at the beginning of the season, but the padel is evolving quickly, with a lot of changes, as you can see on the international circuit. And this is also reflected on the French circuit. Pairs change often, but I think that those who remain stable have better results in the long term. Personally, I have always been used to playing with the same partners. But in recent years, even for me, it has become difficult to find a stable partner. I think I have the level to be a 100% professional player, but I don't have that goal. So I don't play every tournament and I don't dedicate all my time to the professional circuit. The players who play with me do 3, 4, 5 tournaments with me, but after a while, they prefer to turn to players who are 100% committed.

With Julien Seurin, it's a shame, we could have played well together

Franck Binisti:
Is that why you and Julien Seurin are no longer together? That surprised a lot of people.

Adrien Maigret:
Yes, that's a bit like it. We started well together, but there was a combination of circumstances: I got injured in two important tournaments, which impacted our performances. After our great victory in Sweden, we missed a few tournaments, which made us fall behind the others. Julien then decided to play with Max Moreau, who has a lot of points on the international circuit. It's an opportunity for him to try to get into the big tournaments and score points. It's his choice, and I totally respect him. Julien was very fair with me, we discussed it, and there's no problem. It's a shame, because I think we could have played well together, but I understand his decision.

Franck Binisti:
Maybe you should have waited until the end of the French Championships before separating? It's an important moment.

Adrien Maigret:
We could have waited to continue playing together, especially with the French Championships in mind. But I understand his choice to focus on the international circuit. The French Championship is important for us, but today, the sport in France is becoming professional, and it is the international circuit that counts above all. If Julien has the opportunity to play P1, P2 or tournaments in the grand chelem (the Majors), he has to go, even if it means putting the French Championship aside. Fortunately, I am someone who knows how to ignore this kind of thing. It is not because he stopped playing with me that it will affect me on the field. We will enter the competition trying to win as many matches as possible, and playing hard.

Adrien Maigret Cupra Padel Tour

Blanqué / Leygue: we have never seen such a favorite pair

Franck Binisti:
You might surprise everyone, who knows! And go get that title you're missing in France.

Adrien Maigret:
Yes, it would be a great challenge. It's the title that I'm missing in France. This year, we're not expected at all, so we'll play without pressure and try to do our best.

Franck Binisti:
What do you think of the Blanqué/Leygue pair, considered the favourites this year?

France 2024 – Fans predict hat-trick for Blanqué / Leygue

Adrien Maigret:
They are clearly superior on paper. This is perhaps the first time that it has been so obvious in the French Championships. Last year, when I played with Benjamin Tison, we had a three-set match against them, and it was not decided by much. We lost in 3 sets. It was a bit like the final before its time. This year, given their level at the European Championship in Italy, they are really impressive. Together, they complement each other very well. I would be curious to see what they would give internationally if they played together, because they really have a very good level.

Blanqué / Bergeron: back to basics

Franck Binisti:
We also see that Bastien Blanqué has trouble finding a stable partner. After playing with Dylan (Dylan Guichard), now he returns to his first love with Jo (Johan Bergeron). How do you see this new association?

Adrien Maigret:
It's interesting. Jo has come back to a very good level. I had the chance to play with him during the European Championship, and he helped me a lot. He allowed me to focus on my strengths, and it worked well. Seeing Bergeron and Blanqué reform, it's a bit like a return to the roots, and it could be very interesting. I think this pair has enormous potential.

Timéo Fonteny for the worlds… but….

Franck Binisti:
We know that you talked about not participating in the World Championships because of the arrival of your little girl. Is your decision final?

Adrien Maigret:
Yes, my priority will be my family. The timing is complicated, with the birth planned for mid-November, and the world championships at the beginning of November. I have already informed Benjamin and Pablo that it would be difficult for me to participate. But nothing has been decided yet. Pablo pushed me a bit by telling me that he was counting on me and that we could see at the last minute. I will try to be there if the team really needs me, but my priority remains my little girl. Besides, there are young players like Timéo who are very close to my level, or maybe even a little better, especially because they are younger and full of energy. There are also other players like Manu Vives who play very well. So my selection is not guaranteed, and I think that others also deserve their chance.

Franck Binisti:
Adrien Maigret, let's imagine that you perform well in the next French championships or in the FIP tournaments, that you are fit and injury-free, and that you are selected for the world championships... what do you do?

Adrien Maigret:
It will depend on the timing, because the birth of my daughter is a priority. If I can, I will try to be there, but my family will come first. We will discuss it with Pablo and Benjamin, and we will make the best possible decision for the team.

The full interview, HERE:

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.

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