We've been suspecting it for a few weeks, it's now official: Johan Bergeron comes out of retirement to resume his professional career. Since a few months, we saw him again on the slopes. Since the beginning of the year, the one who announced his retirement in November 2022 has already played two tournaments, including a FIP.

Return to the forefront for Johan Bergeron who will be associated this year with Max Moreau, both on the national and international circuit. Back in the game, Johan Bergeron explains to us her decision et his ambitions for this renewal.

Jo's return

Quite a few people already suspected this. Since the end of last season, people have seen me on the pitch a little more. Since October, I decided I was going to start again.

We hung around a bit before announcing it because I still had a few details to iron out before officially announcing it. Since the end of last year, I started doing a few tournaments again and at the start of 2024, I have already done two tournaments.

A lack of padel

I realized, having really stopped, that I missed the land and that my place was on the field. So, I love what I do: coaching at the academy, being with the competitive group, etc. But I don't see myself being away from the field any longer.

The motivation returned little by little. When I did Rome, with the great conditions, it started to make me hesitate. Then, when I came to All In to work, I finally left it behind. Afterwards, I saw Roland Garros and it’s true that these are things I want to take part in. I feel that, in the end, I didn't finish what I was supposed to do.

Team France objective?

When we tasted Team France, we want to go back. Afterwards, I will have to prove myself. I stopped playing for a year, the level of French players increased.

We now have two additional retirees: Ben Tison et Jérémy Scatena. It’s going to hurt the France team, that’s a certainty. But if I can be part of it again, this year, I would be the happiest. In any case, I will do everything to.

Johan Bergeron

A necessary break

I regret nothing and if I stopped, at some point, it was because I really needed to do it. I think that cutting allowed me to realize that my place was on the field and my life is to play.

I was already working at All In and helping with development. I trained a lot less as a result. I felt that I was after a cycle and I needed to really cut it with the certainty that I wasn't going to start again. Except that, little by little, the desire returned. Plus, seeing others play makes you want to play. Finally, I have no regrets.

The international circuit as a priority

As a priority, this year, it will be Premier Padel. Hoping to return with Max on the P1 too. For P2, I think it will be complicated. We will also do some FIP to get the points and get into the P1 and Grand Chelem.

On the French circuit, if I can the P2000, I will do them. For the rest, to see depending on the calendar and my commitments with All In.

Combine professional career and responsibilities at All In

In October, I went to see Thierry to tell him that I wanted to return to the field. He was very understanding. Together, we found an organization to combine All In and my playing career.

I no longer take care of everything that concerns the center management and development of All In. I will stay on the ground, with the Academy and the competitive group because I feel that that is where I could contribute the most.

We will also develop internships. This is something that we have not done enough. This is what I am going to focus on for the All In.

Ambitions for 2024?

At best I was 107e for the World Padel Tour. In FIP, I admit to having forgotten a long time ago. I don't have an ambition accurate for classification. One thing is sure, I want to go as far as possible.

I'll have to see too because my body hasn't moved for a year. See if the rhythm returns quickly. For the moment, I'm happy with my level of play, even if it's not yet perfect.

I have no pressure regarding the ranking. I want to get to around 100e place because I never was. But we will see how it evolves and the results we will achieve.

Resumption of a professional pace of life

It's certain that, suddenly, it's no longer a party. I eat healthy, I work out: it's the return of the life of a professional athlete. I've done it before so I know I can do it again.

When I am motivated, I know that I can put in all the ingredients to get there. And that's what's happening right now.

Controversy around the N1?

Concerning the Nationale 1, I must admit that I am a little disgusted. But there are rules and they must be respected. I nevertheless think that the regulation is not perfect and I'm not the only one to say this because I'm not the only one to have made this mistake.

Once again, I am an FFT licensee. I don't see if it's licensed padel, multi-racquets, etc. In December there were no problems. A month later, we had to reissue a list. I haven't checked any of the players on my list who participated in December. It's only me who's concerned.

I find it sad and I'm disgusted that I can't participate. because it's a competition that I like. I think that'we could have found a solution for me and for others because, once again, I am not the only one. So much the worse for this time, hoping that it makes progress. And then me, I won't make the same mistake again.

Gwenaelle Souyri

It was his brother who one day told him to accompany him on a track. padel, since then, Gwenaëlle has never left the court. Except when it comes to going to watch the broadcast of Padel Magazine, World Padel Tour… or Premier Padel…or the French Championships. In short, she is a fan of this sport.

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