They still have childish faces, but they've already brought metal home.
Bronze medal in teams and pairs French Reus Junior World Championships, Johan Peloux et Quentin Bernard together embody the new generation of French padel : passionate, hardworking, a little rough, and already totally hooked on the professional dream.
A few days after their world podium, the two young French players were at Lyon visit us at the FIP Platinum, for their first real international test. A baptism of fire against the Argentinian Juan Balzola (256th) and the Brazilian Francisco Gomes (311th), narrowly lost (7/6 6/4), but rich in lessons.
Nothing to discourage them: on the contrary.

A useful defeat in Lyon

On the court, Johan and Quentin held their own against seasoned players, accustomed to international tournaments. "We lost 7/6, 6/4... it's frustrating because we had a break in the first," sighed Johan, still a little annoyed but clear-headed. "It comes down to a few mistakes, a bit of experience too. It's our first FIP, we're learning."
Quentin, for his part, doesn't hide it: "We didn't play very well, especially me. The opponents handled it well."
He says it bluntly, like a demanding kid who doesn't make excuses. They digest defeat quickly. In a few hours, they'll already be back at Vichy visit us at the National Training Center Padel (CNE), to work again.

Vichy CNE: the new playground

Since their recent integration into the Vichy National Center for National Education, their daily lives have completely changed.
Fewer classes, more padel.
Days punctuated by training, video sessions, physical preparation and advice from coaches.
“We’ve improved a lot since we’ve been here,” says Quentin. “We’ve Juan (Juan Alday) who comes regularly, it helps us a lot tactically, especially in the important points."
Johan confirms: "We're starting to get used to it, but it's a real change. There's more training, fewer distractions, and that's exactly what you need to progress."
In Vichy, they also cross paths Olivier Guy de Chamisso, their elder, who has just qualified for the final table of the FIP Platinum with Adrien Maigret.
Obviously, it inspires:
“Yes, it makes you want to,” Johan says. “We’re thinking about it, playing with experienced French players in big tournaments… it will come.”
Quentin agrees: "For now, we haven't had much opportunity, but it's a goal."

Inauguration of the National Padel Training Center in Vichy: a new lease of life for the French top level

Brakes and ambitions

It's not all simple. Johan is dragging a adductor problem Since the World Championships, he has been suffering from a sort of tendinopathy that has been bothering him for several weeks. "I have an enchi-adductor conflict, and a hip problem too," he explains. "Nothing serious, but it needs to be managed."
He will undergo a phase of care before returning to the P2000 from Nantes (With Gautier Boutel), then probably a P1000 and maybe one or two FIP according to its shape.
Quentin, for his part, is aiming for a P1000 in Lyon (if Johan's injury allows it), the FIP Promises Paris with Johan, then the P2000 from Carquefou, this time with another partner.
And when asked about his goals for the FIP Promises in Paris, which will take place from October 30 to the, the answer is straightforward:
" Earn. "
Simple, raw, effective.

The future of French padel

À Reus, their double bronze medal sent a clear message: the French next generation is ready.
Their generation, that of the 2007-2008, arrives in a more structured context than ever.
With Vichy National Center for National Education, FFT now has a real tool to support young people towards the highest level and Johan and Quentin are among the first to take full advantage of it.
"It's a huge opportunity," Johan admits. "We can train hard, in good conditions."
The two friends cling to the same dream: become professional players, travel, play in the biggest tournaments, live from this sport that captivated them when they were little.
They know the road is long, that global density is exploding, but they have that unmistakable flame - that of players who prefer to spend their weekends on the slopes rather than on their sofa.

World junior pairs: Fonteny / Boronad, Barla / Lambert Agosti and Peloux / Bernard in bronze in Reus

It's only a beginning

Lyon was just a test, Reus a revelation.
Vichy, now, will be the construction site.
Between the desire to work, the rigor of the CNE, and an entourage that believes in them, Johan Peloux et Quentin Bernard have everything they need to grow up quickly and well.
And when we leave them at the exit of the FIP Platinum of Lyon, smiling, bag on his back, one of them lets out with a half laugh:
“Next time, we’ll pass the qualifiers.”
No one really doubts it.

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