Du  June 1 to 7 ,  FIP Silver of Bandol  This event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of the season for French padel. Of course, the international level will be high, but the tournament's appeal goes far beyond simply competing for the title.

This 2026 edition resembles a true laboratory for French padel. Between new partnerships, recent splits, up-and-coming young players, and circuit veterans searching for new bearings, after Marnes, Bandol could well set the major French trends for the coming months.

A tournament that comes at a pivotal moment

Rarely has a French tournament welcomed so many new pairs at the same time.

The last few weeks have been particularly eventful on the national circuit. Several established associations have dissolved, while new projects have emerged as summer approaches. As a result, Bandol will serve as the first real test for many teams.

The association between  Thomas Vanbauce  et  Philemon Raichman  This will obviously be one of the most closely watched. After the end of the partnership between Philémon Raichman and Yanis Muesser, the Parisian player has chosen to team up with one of the most in-form French players at the moment.

For its part,  Yanis Muesser  embarks on a new project with  Arthur Hugounenq , a pair that already has some common references on the French circuit.

In both cases, Bandol will offer an initial indication of the real potential of these new partnerships.

Joris/Robert, the intriguing pair

Of all the new teams involved, the one composed of  Maxime Joris  et  Jeremy Robert  attracts particular attention.

The first continues to establish himself as one of the most consistent French players on the FIP circuit. The second is coming off an exceptional period, highlighted in particular by his victory at the  FIP Bronze of Marnes  alongside Olivier Guy de Chamisso .

On paper, the partnership seems particularly complementary. Joris brings his international experience and stability. Robert arrives with maximum confidence and an extremely positive dynamic.

Bandol could allow us to measure how far this pair is capable of going.

Benjamin Tison and Lucas Pillon: experience at the service of youth

Another particularly attractive pair:  Benjamin Tison  et  Lucas Pillon .

Since his return to the courts, the former French number 1 has demonstrated that he still has the level to compete with the best national players. His performance at the FIP Bronze tournament in Marnes further confirmed this.

Alongside him, Lucas Pillon continues to grow at breakneck speed. The young Bordeaux native is among the most promising players of his generation and will be able to benefit in Bandol from the experience of a partner who knows perfectly the demands of the top level.

A pair capable of creating a few surprises in a draw that looks very evenly matched.

A more open picture than it seems

If the number 1 seed consists of  Francisco Cabeza  et  Mariano Gonzalez  While they start with a head start on paper, the rest of the picture seems much more open.

No French pair are among the top 7 seeds, but several French associations clearly have the weapons to aim for a second week of competition.

This includes, in particular:

  •  Timéo Fonteny / Yoan Boronad  (ts8)
  •  Thomas Seux / Nathan Courrin 
  •  Manuel Vives / Olivier Guy de Chamisso 
  •  Julien Biron / Tristan Piombo 
  •  Lucas Potel / Thomas Basso 

In a tournament where the skill gaps remain relatively small behind the favorites, a few victories can quickly open up very interesting prospects.

In the women's competition, several French players have a real chance of success.

The women's draw could also favor the French players.

Behind the main Spanish favorites who should win without much difficulty due to the significant gap in ranking, several French pairs arrive with real ambitions.

The Franco-Spanish pair,  Louise Bahurel / Valeria Atencia , will be the 6th seed in the tournament and appears to be one of the strongest teams in the French contingent.

Same observation for  Fiona Ligi , associated with  Lisa Rachel Phillips , or for  Manon Marcarie / Cassandra Senjean who continue to accumulate experience on the international circuit.

Behind them, several young French players will also try to take advantage of this home tournament to continue their progress, like...  Kimy Barla ,  Lou Lambert-Agosti  or,  Marie-Amelie Dardaine .

The FIP Silver in Bandol could also serve as a revealer.

A revealing opportunity for some new partnerships competing in their first tournament together. A revealing opportunity for several promising young French players. And finally, a revealing opportunity for some established players looking to take their game to the next level.

In a particularly busy French calendar, Bandol arrives at the perfect time: when projects are launched.

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!