Just before the Coello/Tapia final against Galán/Chingotto, Alix Collombon returned to the Canal+ microphone to discuss her new adventure with Araceli Martinez.
The beginnings are very encouraging despite a defeat in the first round of the P1 in Madrid against Vero Virseda and Aranzazu Osoro, before approaching the P1 in Rotterdam.
Facing Virseda / Osoro, it was very close
“There were a lot of positive things. We had a set point at 6-5 in our favor. We really came close. What's a shame is that we rushed a bit in the second set. At this level, you pay cash for it. But if we had won this first set, it could have changed everything. For a first tournament together, it was really interesting.
Araceli: afraid of regretting if I didn't say yes
People have a hard time keeping up with all these changes and understanding them, which I can totally understand.
When Araceli Martinez called me, we were coming out of a complicated half-season with Julieta Bidahorria. We gave everything to make the project work, but I think it didn't live up to our respective expectations. That's how it is, that's our job.
At that moment, when Araceli contacted me, I thought it was a good option. I was afraid that I would regret it if I didn't say yes. There was also another point to consider: with her points, we were seeded at Roland Garros, which is important in a Grand Chelem. Well, for now, with the first rounds we're taking in P1, it's a bit complicated in terms of points, but we're going to fight to try to keep this status. With Julieta, I wouldn't have been able to be. It wasn't the only reason for my decision, but it weighed in the balance. The future will tell if I made the right choice.
I'm evolving my game.
What I like about Araceli is that she has great game intelligence. She is able to propose several plans. If we have a plan A for a match, she can propose a plan B, or even a plan C. We have a good tactical understanding. She plays well in defense and knows how to get to the net, which is important to me.
I am evolving my game. Even if it is not yet reflected in recent results, I have been producing very good padel for several weeks. With Araceli, I feel like I have a better chance of putting this game together. Plus, she's a really nice person and a great partner, which also counts for a lot.
With Araceli, it can really work. In a short time, we have already developed very interesting tactical phases. We will see how it evolves.
The idea is to continue together at least until the end of the season, and then take stock at that time.”
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.