Present at PadelReference.com All Star 2025 organized at Padel Touch Bassin d'Arcachon, Jules MaryA former professional tennis player, content creator, and current padel player, he discussed his successful transition to this new sport. Between rediscovered enjoyment, tactical learning, and sporting ambition, the Norman is gradually establishing himself as one of the leading figures in French padel.

A new sporting adventure

“I am a partner of Padel Reference "For about six months. The idea was to meet here for a friendly event and bring together all the players in padel: influencers, brands, media and players," he explains.
After a successful career on the ATP circuit, Jules Mary He made the transition to padel in 2025. "Frankly, I'm very happy. I'm more fulfilled than I was at the end of my tennis career. I'm progressing quickly, I feel it at every tournament, and it's satisfying. In tennis, after 30, progress is minimal, almost invisible. Here, I'm learning a sport from A to Z."

The player also emphasizes the fun aspect of padel: "What I liked most was the "I smile on the court, I laugh sometimes; there are spectacular points that you don't see in tennis. It's a real pleasure to play."

Landmarks to rebuild

A former defensive tennis player, Jules had to completely adapt his game. "My strengths in tennis were defense and blocking. In padel, it's almost the opposite: I'm better at the net, the smash, and the vibora. However, my Defense is my weak pointThat's a funny turn of events.
Playing on the left has also brought him a new challenge: "On the left, you have to create plays, take risks. There's more creativity. In tennis, I was a metronome from the baseline. Here, there are an infinite number of different shots: par 3s, par 4s, bandejas, viboras, feints... I'm having much more fun."

Jules Marie: “In padel, I've rediscovered the enjoyment and progress that I had lost in tennis.”

A first, groundbreaking P1500

His first P1500 will remain a key moment. "I was playing with Jerome Inzerillo"We won our opening match against Rubio and Cazes Carrere, two very good players. I didn't know them, so I arrived without pressure, but with the desire not to make a fool of myself. In the end, we did well."
The journey continues with victories against Gourre /Cancelthen Verdier/Boutierbefore a defeat against Forcin/Tison"It was great to be able to test myself against them. We lost 6-3, 6-3, but it's a fantastic experience. I can see exactly what I still need to work on."

The YouTuber admits to being impressed by the level of the circuit: "On the P1500, I thought everyone was better than me. I just didn't want to be the weak link. Today, I realize I'm not that far off."

Technical work and progression

From a technical standpoint, the player identifies two priorities: "The defense on double glazingThat's my big project. And I'm working a lot on it. viper"Notably with Benjamin Gruet in Tarbes. Winter changes the conditions: the glass reacts differently, you have to adapt your game. I'm improving, but I still have a lot to learn."

His approach to work remains influenced by his past as a professional tennis player: "My discipline, the warm-up, the management of key moments... all of that comes from tennis. It helps me stay focused, even when the pressure mounts."

The parallel with tennis tournaments

Accustomed to CNGTJules notes several differences between the tennis and padel circuits. "A P1000 or P1500 tournament lasts two or three days, whereas a CNGT tournament can last several weeks. In tennis, when you're in the top 60, you have financial guarantees, with your hotel and meals covered. In padel, this still needs to be developed. But French padel is progressing quickly."

A successful integration into the circuit and the clubs

Always supported by Padel ReferenceJules is involved in the French circuit while continuing his adventure on social media. "I give them visibility through my YouTube channel, with 7 to 10 videos per month. And they support me in my projects. We prepare things together."

On the sporting side, he joins the team Padel Reference N1who will compete in the 1st division In January: "I'm going to play with guys like Mannarino, Inzerillo, Jofre, Mitjana, under the direction ofArmagnac"It's great to be able to join such a team. It will allow me to progress even further."

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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