They are ten years apart and their careers are not at the same point, but their ambitions could well converge.  Thomas Vanbauce is looking for a fresh start after several turbulent months, while 19-year-old Filippo Nicocia is trying to make a name for himself on the international circuit.

After an encouraging first test in Porto Sant'Epildio,  The new Franco-Argentine pair arrives at the FIP Bronze Marnes II , organized from  September 1st to 5th at Forest Hill in Marnes-la-Coquette , with the opportunity to give a first real boost to his association.

Thomas Vanbauce, stepping outside the French framework to bounce back stronger

For  Thomas Vanbauce This association is part of a broader desire to  give new impetus to his project . Born in  Maubeuge  but having been established for several years in the Bordeaux padel scene, the 29-year-old player already possesses solid experience at the highest level.

 French International He notably participated in  European Championships and World Championships in 2024 , and achieved a better ranking with a  174th place in the world On the FIP Tour, he has also already played in 2 finals, including a title.

But after her separation from  Julien Seurin  last spring and a descent to the  226th place in the world The two Frenchmen have chosen to revise their project somewhat. In recent months, Vanbauce has notably decided to  open up more to foreign partners , after having long played primarily alongside French players.

A new direction already visible with  Lucas Miranda , a 19-year-old Spaniard with whom he played eight matches between June and August. With  Filippo Nicocia Vanbauce is continuing in this direction today: investing in another young, rapidly improving international player, while also contributing his own skills and experience.  the experience gained on the circuit and with the French team A formula that could allow the Frenchman to regain momentum and set out to conquer the top 200 again.

Thomas Vanbauce is back in form and aims for a return to the world's top 200

From Pentagonia to Europe, Filippo Nicocia charts his course

On the other side of the track,  Filippo Nicocia is experiencing a very different period in his career. . Born on  November 23, 2006  and originally from  Puerto Madryn, in Argentine Patagonia He only started playing padel in  2019 Following in his older brother's footsteps, a few years were enough to make the young Argentinian one of the players of his generation to watch.

Before fully launching his international career, Nicocia honed his skills in his home country. He went to train at  La Plata with Mauro Lombardi He notably distinguished himself in national youth competitions before representing Argentina. In 2024, he was part of the team that won the World Cup.  Pan American Youth Champion in Aguascalientes, Mexico , an important first international experience in his career.

Now aged  19 years Nicocia is attempting to reach a new milestone on the FIP Tour. Currently  244th in the world, his best career ranking He began to accumulate results, notably  three semi-finals in 2026 , in Timisoara, Montesilvano and Pembroke, in addition to several quarter-finals.

Still searching for his first title on the circuit, the Argentinian is mainly racking up points.  the matches and international experience , with the goal of continuing to gradually move closer to the top 200.

Vanbauce / Nicocia, initial landmarks to be transformed

 Vanbauce / Nicocia have already had the opportunity to share the track in competition.  Their first association took place last week at  FIP Silver from Porto Sant'Elpidio , and the draw gave them no time to adapt. From their very first match, the Franco-Argentine pair were faced with  Gonzalo Rubio and Víctor Ruiz , two players who are on the verge of breaking into the world's top 40.

Despite the significant gap in the standings,  Vanbauce / Nicocia lost in two close sets, 6/4 6/4 . A defeat which obviously does not yet allow us to draw any major conclusions about their partnership, but which offers them an interesting first benchmark against a pair accustomed to the top level.

FIP Bronze Marnes II: the final lists revealed, a large number of French participants

In Marnes, the objective will now be to transform these initial feelings into results.  Nicocia is still searching for her first FIP ​​title , while Vanbauce's last and only international trophy dates back to  FIP Promotion of Doha in 2023  with Dorien de MeyerThe Frenchman will, however, find himself on tracks that served him rather well a few months ago: during the first edition of the  FIP Bronze Marnes he had reached the  quarter-finals with Lucas Pillon .

 Vanbauce/Nicocia will form pair 11 in the draw , in a picture that promises  as open as it is homogeneous where many pairs seem capable of coming out on top.

Raphael Degironde

As a padel fan and player, I scan the padel scene: Beware, you are being watched!

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