In Yaoundé, Cameroon, former world number 22 Hicham Arazi had a completely unique experience. Invited as part of a physical challenge led by Paul Atanga Nji, who was attempting to enter the Guinness World Records after several hours of tennis played in over 30-degree heat, the Moroccan spoke at length about his career, his vision of modern tennis, the current generation of Moroccan players, and also the mental challenges of the professional circuit.

In an atmosphere that was both friendly and intense, the former Moroccan player alternated between anecdotes, technical analyses and more personal confidences about the loneliness of the ATP circuit, the incessant travel, the frustration of defeat and the evolution of modern tennis.

"Playing with a minister under those conditions was a unique experience."

 Frank Binisti:  Hicham, it might not be visible in the picture, but you look tired…

 Hicham Arazi:  Yes, it was incredibly hot. Over 30 degrees Celsius, in full sun. It wasn't easy physically. But honestly, it was a fantastic experience. Playing against the Minister, Paul Atanga Nji, was really fun. He has a great attitude; he's passionate about tennis like the rest of us. And above all, he gives it his all.

What I loved was that he also put on a show. Everything I love about exhibition tennis. Honestly, it was great.

On the first day, he played three sets against Cédric Pioline. And mind you, it was best-of-five sets, not best-of-three.

Next, he played three sets with Younes El Aynaoui. Then another three sets with a young Cameroonian player.

Honestly, well done to him.

Hicham Arazi: "I hope the tennis of the future will be more creative" – Between memories, frustration with the circuit, and a passion for the game

 FB:  Had you experienced similar events with political figures before?

 Hicham Arazi:  No, never. It was a first for me. My first time in Cameroon too, in Yaoundé. And honestly, it's a superb experience.

We're more used to seeing politicians behind a desk, in a suit and tie. Seeing an Interior Minister who loves tennis, who takes on such a significant physical challenge, is different.

On the first day, he played for over four hours. Today, he's already gone over three hours. We'll see if Guinness World Records officially recognizes it, but frankly, it's impressive.

And it wasn't just about playing. After our match, there was also this symbolic desire to bring water. There was a human dimension behind it all.

I sincerely believe it would be good to see this in other countries and in other sports. Seeing political leaders in a different light, seeing them participate in sports, sharing a moment with athletes, can also contribute to the development of sport.

What was also incredible was seeing all those tennis legends again. Yannick Noah, Cédric Pioline, Younes El Aynaoui… These are players who have marked my career.

"Cédric Pioline prevented me from reaching the semi-finals!"

In a relaxed atmosphere, Hicham Arazi humorously recalled an old memory with Cédric Pioline.

 Hicham Arazi:  We talked about it again here in Cameroon… That bastard prevented me from qualifying for the semi-finals! (laughs)

The tribute to Yahiya Doumbia: “No one saw it coming”

The conversation then turned to Yahiya Doumbia, a former spectacular player on the ATP circuit.

 Hicham Arazi:  I loved watching him play. When he won Lyon after coming through qualifying, it really made an impression on me. I wasn't on the professional circuit yet, but I watched all the tournaments on television in France.

I never missed his final in Lyon nor his title in Bordeaux the following year.

He was ranked beyond 400th in the world. Nobody really knew him. And yet, he wins one match, then another… And he goes all the way.

It's extremely rare to see a player who came through qualifying win an ATP tournament. And he did it twice.

I used to call him “Mr. Precision”. Our whole generation nicknamed him that. He was an extremely precise player, very pleasant to watch.

Hicham Arazi: "I hope the tennis of the future will be more creative" – Between memories, frustration with the circuit, and a passion for the game

"I liked creative tennis."

When asked about his own playing style, Hicham Arazi reflected on what has always motivated him.

 Hicham Arazi:  I love tennis when it's creative. For me, it's still a game. Of course, on the tour, there's a lot of frustration because you always want to win more. But when I stepped onto the court, even frustrated, I deeply loved the sport and everything it represents.

Hicham Arazi: "I hope the tennis of the future will be more creative" – Between memories, frustration with the circuit, and a passion for the game
Hicham Arazi: "I hope the tennis of the future will be more creative" – Between memories, frustration with the circuit, and a passion for the game

"The hardest part is the travel, and we lose almost every week."

The former Moroccan then discusses the psychological difficulties of playing at the very highest level.

 Hicham Arazi:  The hardest part wasn't necessarily the matches. It was the defeat.

Losing, going back to the hotel, packing your bags, getting back on a plane for the next tournament… That’s the real difficulty of professional tennis.

We were travelling almost 40 weeks a year between ATP tournaments and the Davis Cup. In the long run, it was exhausting.

In tennis, apart from the very best like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Andre Agassi or Pete Sampras, you lose almost every week.

Mentally, you have to constantly rebuild your confidence.

"The player's loneliness is real."

 Question:  You often seemed alone on the circuit?

 Hicham Arazi:  Yes and no. Today, many players have entourages. In my day, it was different.

My real family on the circuit was Younes El Aynaoui and Karim Alami. They were like my big brothers.

"Playing against your brother isn't fun."

 Hicham Arazi:  When you face someone you consider a brother, there is always an emotional dimension that disrupts the match.

Even when you win, the feeling is different. It doesn't give the same pleasure.

“The Moroccan public feels a bit orphaned”

For the past year, Arazi has been captain of the Moroccan Davis Cup team.

 Hicham Arazi:  It's a superb experience. There are motivated, passionate young people who are eager to learn.

I'm often in contact with them outside of gatherings. We exchange a lot of information.

The Moroccan public has been somewhat orphaned since our generation. We hope to see new great players emerge.

We have an 18-year-old player around 700th in the world rankings, and another 19-year-old around 500th. But for me, it's only a matter of time.

Hicham Arazi: "I hope the tennis of the future will be more creative" – Between memories, frustration with the circuit, and a passion for the game

"Physical fitness has become the foundation of modern tennis."

Arazi believes that tennis has evolved enormously physically.

 Hicham Arazi:  Today, players are true athletes. They are powerful and very physically strong.

The foundation now is physical fitness.

Our generation knew how to do everything technically: slice, chip, advance at the wrong time, vary trajectories, surprise tactically.

The next generation was much more focused on physical appearance.

Carlos Alcaraz, symbol of the future of tennis

For Hicham Arazi, the Spanish phenomenon perfectly represents the positive evolution of modern tennis.

 Hicham Arazi:  After the Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer generation, I thought we were going to return to more creativity. And the one who brought that was Carlos Alcaraz.

He can do everything: drop shots, net approaches, serve-and-volley, variations, power… He possesses the old-school tennis with modern physical qualities.

I sincerely believe that the future of tennis will go in this direction. And honestly, it will be fantastic for the fans.

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.

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