The final phase of the European Padel Championships, now renamed FIP Euro Padel Cup – Final 8, which brings together the eight best European nations for the women and men. The French team, present in both draws, has great ambitions with a clear objective: to reach the final... before, perhaps, challenging the inevitable Spanish armada.

Even weakened by a few absences, spain remains the big favorite in the competition, boasting impressive depth on the bench. Behind them, France, Italy, and Portugal are hoping to take second place.

The ladies open the ball against England

Placed in the group B, the team of Robin Haziza and Baptiste Benetoux, starts this Tuesday at 10 a.m. against England, an opponent within reach of the French but who should not be underestimated. In recent years, the British selection has progressed significantly, driven in particular by Aimee Gibson et Catherine Rose, regularly present on the FIP Tour.

France, led by Alix Collombon et Léa Godallier, will logically start as favorite. Behind this experienced duo, Carla Toully, Louise Bahurel, Camille Sireix, Charlotte Soubrie, Jessica Ginier-Barber et Lucile Pothier complete a cohesive team, capable of aiming high.

French women's team:
Alix Collombon, Léa Godallier, Carla Touly, Louise Bahurel, Camille Sireix, Charlotte Soubrie, Jessica Ginier-Barbier, Lucile Pothier.
Captains: Robin Haziza / Baptiste Benetoux

England team:
Aimee Gibson, Catherine Rose, Tia Louisa Norton, Lisa Rachel Phillips, Abigail Tordoff, Hanna Maddock Gamez, Laura Jackson, Rosie Quirk.
Coaches: Agustin Gomez Silingo & Elizabeth Fletcher

The men face Germany

In the men's competition, the Blues start against Germany at 15 p.m., a nation they know well and have often dominated on the international stage. On paper, the hierarchy seems clear: the France is the undisputed favorite for this first duel of the group B.

Under the direction of Pablo Ayma, the French selection aligns its sure values: Johan Bergeron, Bastien Blanqué, Dylan Guichard, Maxime Joris, Timeo Fonteny, Yoan Boronad, Manuel Vives and the former French number 1, Benjamin TisonA complete, experienced, and above all ambitious team.

French men's team:
Johan Bergeron, Bastien Blanqué, Dylan Guichard, Maxime Joris, Timéo Fonteny, Yoan Boronad, Manuel Vives, Benjamin Tison.
Coach: Pablo Ayma

Germany Team:
Agustin Reca, Johannes Lindmeyer, Matthias Wunner, Nick Merten, Daniel Lingen, Christian Böhnke, Vincent Jülich, Miguel Morales Krück.
Coach: Pablo Pelassini

On the German side, only Agustin Reca – a regular on the FIP Tour circuit and son of the legend Gaby Reca, former star player of the Padel Pro Tour – seems capable of giving Les Bleus a bit of a hard time. Otherwise, the German team seems too limited to thwart the French ambitions.

This first meeting should therefore allow the France to gain confidence before challenging opponents of a completely different caliber, Italy et Portugal, in the race to qualify for the semi-finals.

The objective is clear: aim for a place in the final and hope for a prestigious clash against Spain, always formidable on the European scene.

European Padel Championships: France gets off to a slow start in the Final 8
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.