Clement Geens and Dylan Guichard have qualified for the knockout stages of the FIP Star Beau Plan in Mauritius after a match against the South African pair Richard Ashforth and Egmond Van Heerden. In not so easy conditions, both players were able to raise their level to take the lead, but not without difficulty. A look back at this meeting and their impressions of the tournament and their opponents.

We were surprised

Clement Geens: We were a little surprised by this pair. We didn't know them, so we didn't know what to expect. They played well, especially in these conditions. There was a little wind, and the ball was going out a lot, which made things difficult. We started badly, we were soft, we made a lot of mistakes. Obviously, that helped them play better. But after this tight first set, we managed to get into the match better.

Dylan Guichard: We arrived yesterday morning and we feel good here. It's true that a Breton and a Belgian in the sun, it doesn't seem easy, but we've already played in very hot places, especially in the Middle East. That said, here, it's really hotter.

Clement Geens: For the next matches, we will have to start straight away with more intensity, with a knife between our teeth. This slightly soft start to the match clearly penalized us and it dragged our entire game down. Congratulations to our opponents for their excellent first set, but we must do better in the next round.

Everything is great. Now we have to play better.

Dylan Guichard: The tournament is incredible. The facilities are great, and we are staying in a beautiful hotel. Everything is perfect. Now we just have to play well on the field.

Clement Geens: Yes, it's really an ideal setting to perform. After this match, we're going to rest, cool down, and prepare for tomorrow.

Dylan Guichard: We will play against Pierre Vincent and Benjamin Grué who won their match. It will be a great match. We think we will play in the morning or early afternoon, because the winners will have a second match afterwards. It will probably be a little less hot than today, and we will be ready.

Clement Geens: Now we'll go to the shower, eat, go to the physiotherapist, and tomorrow we'll be in great shape.

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.