La French Tennis Federation has a new National Technical DirectorDidier Retière was appointed to this key position by the Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life, Marie Barsacq, on the proposal of the FFT and after favorable opinion of theNational Sports AgencyThis arrival marks a turning point for all federal disciplines, including the associated practices such as padel, booming in France.

A rigorous selection process

The recruitment of the DTN followed a structured and transparent process, started in January 2025. Of the eight applications received following the ministry's call for applications, seven were deemed admissible. The FFT then pre-selected six profiles from the state executives, whether internal or external to the Federation.

A committee of elected officials and senior executives conducted interviews to assess the skills, Vision and experience candidates. Two finalists were interviewed by a joint committee comprising representatives from the ministry, the National Sports Agency, and the president of the FFT. The final choice fell on Didier Retière, who was approved by the minister.

A mission in the service of federal sport… and padel

The National Technical Director will be responsible for manage the FFT's sports policy, in line with the State's guidelines and the Federation's objectives. It will be responsible in particular for:

  • Define the strategy of high performance for all disciplines;
  • Supervise technical teams and French team training sessions ;
  • Develop the licensed practice and strengthen training and detection systems;
  • Promote values ​​ofintegrity and fight against violence;
  • Contribute to structuring developing disciplines such as paddle, paratennis, pickleball or Beach tennis.

Didier Retière will rely on the teams in place to promote the development of all practices supported by the FFT, taking into account their specificity.

An experienced profile from rugby

Originally from the world of rugby, Didier Retière has a solid experience in structuring and sports management. Former National Technical Director of the French Rugby Federation (2014-2022), he also held the position of director of sports development within the ASM Clermont Auvergne club.

He was at the origin of several major reforms: reorganization of the high-level access pathway, transformation of federal training, or even launching programs such as “Rugby Well Played”. Trained atINSEP and holder of a DESS in Sports Training and Management, he is recognized for his ability to mobilize teams around a collective project.

A focus on openness and innovation

The FFT, through the voice of its president Gilles Moreton, welcomed this appointment as a strategic advanceThe objective is clear: to surround yourself with strong managerial profiles, capable of promote federal disciplines, whose paddle, in full development in the territory.

Didier Retière himself has shown his desire to rely on internal skills and to meet local stakeholders to carry out a common ambition. His cross-functional experience could offer a new impetus for French padel, in a context where the discipline is gaining in structure and visibility across the world.

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