2026 French Championships: a very open men's draw, an unprecedented succession in the women's draw

The list of pairs qualified for the 2026 Senior French Championships The field is now known. While several associations are considered favorites, the dynamics observed since the start of the season suggest a particularly open competition in the men's event. In the women's event, the absence of Alix Collombon reshuffles the deck, even if Léa Godallier and Carla Touly will have a slight advantage on paper.

Among men, a hierarchy that is difficult to establish

On paper, several of the best French pairs will be present. But one particularity stands out: many players will be playing with partners they no longer regularly see on the circuit.

This is particularly the case Johan Bergeron and Timéo Fonteny who had started the year together before ending their project. The same is true for Julien Seurin and Thomas Vanbauce , or Yanis Muesser and Philémon Raichman , two associations that have also ended in recent months.

In other words, the automatic reflexes built up at the beginning of the season will not necessarily be an advantage during these championships.

Pairs that arrive with strong arguments

Conversely, some associations are approaching these French Championships with a particularly interesting dynamic.

This is particularly the case Yoan Boronad and Jérémy Robert Although the two men did not share the track throughout the entire season, Jeremy Robert is undoubtedly one of the French players who has improved the most this year. The young Frenchman notably distinguished himself by winning the FIP Bronze from Marnes-la-Coquette alongside Olivier Guy de Chamisso Starting in August, he will form a new pair with Yoan Boronad , with several weeks ahead of them to build up their routines before the national event in October.

Another pair to watch very closely, Damien Bayard and Pierre Vincent Unlike many of their competitors, the two players compete together almost every week on the French circuit and know each other perfectly. Consistent, high-performing, and always difficult to beat, they continue to rack up good results in France. This edition of the French Championships could well represent their best opportunity to reach the semi-finals.

The title holders , Manuel Vives and Dylan Guichard They will obviously be highly anticipated. Even if they don't play together throughout the season, their shared experience and status will naturally make them contenders to retain their titles.

French Championships – Vives and Guichard win their first title after a thrilling thriller

Blanqué/Leygue, favorites despite some questions

Number 1 seeds, Bastien Blanqué and Thomas Leygue will naturally be considered favorites. The former French number 1 returns to the French Championships after missing the previous edition due to his ruptured Achilles tendon.

Since his return to competition, Thomas Leygue He is gradually regaining his form, but has not yet returned to the level he was at before his injury. For his part, Bastien Blanqué is also going through a more complicated period on the FIP circuit, where his recent results have not allowed him to maintain the momentum of previous seasons.

Despite these few uncertainties, their experience, their shared history, and their status as number 1 seeds make them the main contenders for the title. But in such an open championship, pairs arriving with more confidence could well try to upset the favorites as early as the semi-finals, or even sooner.

French Championships 2026: Blanqué/Leygue return, the lists revealed

In the women's race, a first without Alix Collombon

The female representation will be marked by a historical absence.

For the first time in many years, Alix Collombon The seven-time French champion will not be at the start. This absence inevitably opens up the race for the title.

His former partner, Léa Godallier has chosen to partner with Carla Toully However, this decision was not the only one under consideration: discussions had also taken place regarding a partnership with Louise Bahurel which would have allowed Godallier to keep his position on the right. Ultimately, the French number 2 preferred to rely on her close relationship with Carla Touly, even if it meant changing to the left of the track , a side that is not naturally his.

On paper, this new pairing will start as favorites. But this tactical repositioning could require a period of adjustment and create some opportunities for their main rivals.

French Championships: Godallier / Touly, the new favorite pair

Dardaine/Mansart, the main outsiders

Among the main competitors, Marie-Amelie Dardaine et Clara Mansart They arrive with growing confidence.

The two Frenchwomen are putting together a series of convincing performances on the international circuit and their sometimes unpredictable playing style could pose real problems for the favorites if they reach the later rounds.

FIP Bronze Dronten: a good week despite the semi-final defeat for Dardaine and Mansart

Several pairs will have their say

Behind the favorites, several associations have strong arguments.

Louise Bahurel et Lucile Pothier form a very ambitious pair. Louise, in particular, has recently achieved several impressive international performances, including a title in FIP Bronze but also very close matches against several players in the world's top 50.

L'expérience de Camille Sireix et Melissa Martin could also have an impact in important moments.

Finally Charlotte Soubrié et Fiona Ligi who know perfectly Carla Toully et Léa Godallier Having faced them on numerous occasions, they too will have arguments to try and create an upset.

Although the favorites seem to be identified in both draws, the numerous recompositions of pairs, the dynamics of the moment and the sometimes contrasting states of form promise particularly contested French Championships, both for men and for women.

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!