La  French Tennis Federation (FFT)  continues to develop its content around padel with the series  "Match Day" , an immersive format that plunges into the heart of the competition, far from the spotlight of the very highest level.

Through these videos produced and directed by  Eli Weinstein and Benjamin Waldbaum The objective is clear: to show that the intensity of sport does not depend on ranking.
You don't need to be world number 1 to experience strong emotions. Amateur padel also tells stories.

In this episode, the FFT follows  Gregory Aznar , an amateur player involved in a  P250 +45 , a level far from the professional circuit, but rich in emotions.

"Why are we getting so worked up over a P250?"

From the very first seconds, the tone is set.

"Someone needs to explain to me one day why we get so worked up over a P250."

At almost 40 years old, this advertising executive from the Basque Country perfectly embodies this generation of passionate gamers, for whom competition remains a driving force.

A former footballer who also played squash, he discovered padel almost by chance:

"I got completely stuck... it became an almost daily addiction for over seven years."

The mental burden, even at the amateur level

Far from being a simple pastime, amateur competition reveals a  strong mental dimension .

"The match starts the day before. My legs might feel weak... it all comes down to those first sensations."

Every detail counts:
First flight, first return, first vibra.
Mental reference points that influence the rest of the match.

The tournament format, with a status of  seeded 1 , adds further pressure:

"When you're in TS1, you're supposed to go all the way. So you can't afford to make a mistake."

The video alternates between moments of play and discussions on the bench, revealing the reality of amateur padel:

constant communication, tactical adjustments, but also nervousness and spontaneity.

"We have to take the net, give them nothing, attack them."

The duo plays a central role.
His partner, a long-time friend, provides a complementary balance:

"He's very punchy. I'm more in a Belasteguin style, more structured."

Competition as a driving force in life

Beyond the result, it is the very meaning of the competition that emerges.

"Challenge yourself, push your limits, apply what you learn... and keep a youthful spirit."

Despite the limited stakes — a P250 with little reward — the motivation remains intact:

"The prize money might be a grip... but what we want are the memories."

The episode concludes with a victory in the final, but the main point is elsewhere.

"What makes me happiest is having won with him. We've known each other for 30 years."

The rest... happens here:

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.

On the same subject