After winning the bronze medal during the European Championships, Camille Sireix, member of the French team, looks back on her adventure in Italy and talks about her challenges and ambitions for the future.

The 2024 European Championships

“It was an incredible experience, especially because we had a great team. The girls had an excellent level and were ultra-motivated, which created a fantastic atmosphere between us. There was a lot of support, kindness and positivity. Honestly, we sang on the buses and we knew how to concentrate at the important moments. We were all united, especially in the more complicated moments, and representing the jersey with this feeling of belonging to a team was just incredible.

Concerning the level of play, we had a very difficult group, and despite the draw not being easy, we finished first in our group. In each meeting, there was a fight, we had big matches each time. I think it allowed us to bond more. In the end, we delivered great performances and we won the bronze medal, which in my opinion is well deserved. We managed to put out some very good matches at important moments, I think we can be proud of ourselves. I am obviously very happy to leave with a medal, especially for a first. Personally, I played four games out of six, which was not easy at the start, because I arrived with substitute status, so I am delighted with this week of the championship. 

Camille Sireix / Carla Touly - europe 2024 italy
Camille Sireix and Carla Touly © Alyssa van Heyst International Padel Federation

I am extremely happy to have been able to play these four matches. I had a blast at each meeting. The last match was more difficult because we faced world number 12 with Fiona, which was obviously complicated, but it was a great experience. It's the first time I played in this ranking and it's thanks to this selection that I was able to experience this, it's obviously full of enrichments and a source of progress for the future! Especially since in the four matches I played, I played with three different partners (Léa, Carla and Fiona), and I loved every moment. Playing with girls who have varied profiles against the best players in Europe, it’s just crazy luck and I really gave it my all.”

His challenges to establish himself in the French team

“I think I need to get my high level of play to become my average level of play. I am capable of playing certain matches very well and others where I play less well and I have to be more regular in my playing intentions. Then, I need to play matches, to continue to gain experience game, situations. For example, I must manage to adapt more outdoors. I need to play more matches to understand that there are certain important moments where you have to be consistent, and others where you have to assert yourself. All these little moments make a little difference. I also have to improve on one or two particular shots so that my game takes on a stronger dimension. The good thing is that I can easily identify them now and I am ready to work on them thoroughly. 

Team France - Europe 2024 Italy
Team France © Alyssa van Heyst International Padel Federation

Even tactically, I think I always react a little bit late. In the end the result may be a little different because of this. You have to get that by playing internationally in different playing conditions. I also have to really impose my game and take responsibility until the end. I am an attacker, and who says attacking also means missing. I have to be able to find the right balance between imposing my attacking game and being consistent, while feeling the important moments when I have to make the other play. This will help me improve my level of play and, potentially, why not, become a starter one day.” 

Camille Sireix - europe 2024 italy
© Alyssa van Heyst International Padel Federation

Its priority objective

“My priority objective is to return to the international circuit to gain points and move up the rankings. I stopped in the quarter-finals on my last three FIP Rise and I would really like to finish in the last four now. I also want to prepare as best as possible for the French championships which arrive in September. There is also the possibility of participating in Roland-Garros, for which I will request a wild card. It's obviously a dream to be able to participate but for that, I will have to play very well during this summer and show that I continue to progress. I plan to play as many international tournaments as possible and give my best.”

Dorian Massy

New follower of padel, I am fascinated by this dynamic sport which combines strategy and agility. I find in the padel a new passion to explore and share with you on Padel Magazine.