Back in France after a quick stop in EgyptLéa Godallier took advantage of the FIP Promises Paris by WME to come and support the young people and train in Tennis / Padel Lésigny Club. An opportunity for the French champion and European vice-champion to look back on her season, her relationship with Georgia Marchetti, the future of the French team and the young hopes of women's padel.

Unexpected return to Lésigny

“The truth is, I left for Egypt at the beginning of the week for the P2,” explains Léa. “But at boarding, they asked me for a return flight because I didn’t have a visa. The easiest thing was to come back to Paris. And since Baptiste Bénétoux (my partner) was there with the young people from the CNE, I came to Lésigny to train and see the young people.”

A silver medal that counts

The Frenchwoman then returns to the 2025 European Championships, highlighted by a superb silver medal with the French women's team.
“We managed to beat the Italians, which hadn’t happened since 2018. We weren’t favorites at all, and yet we managed to do something huge. Special mention to Lucile Pothier and Louise Bahurel, who were incredible.”

A victory all the sweeter against Giorgia Marchetti, his former/new partner on the circuit. "It was tough because we know each other inside out, but the rivalry is healthy. We use it to push each other to be better. And when it's done with respect, it's even more enjoyable."

The next generation of women: "It's coming, but step by step."

Despite the departure of Jessica Ginier Léa remains optimistic about the upcoming international competitions with the French national team:
“We welcomed Louise to the team, and she brought a lot of fresh energy. It’s always difficult to lose a pillar like Jess, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to give up. The group is united, and that’s what counts. When there’s good team spirit, we play better on the field.”

Léa keeps a close eye on the younger generations.
“I have my favorites: Lou Lambert-Agosti and Kimy Barla. They are among the players who could one day join the French national team. In Vichy, I also see Zia Charpentier, Élise Le Roux and Lilou who are improving every day. But we mustn't rush things: we are still behind Spain and Argentina.”

Léa Godallier FIP promises Paris

Objective: stability and consistency with Marchetti

On a personal level, Léa wants to focus on continuity with Giorgia Marchetti, his Italian partner.
"We recently got together again, and we've already managed to push top 20 pairs to three sets, like in Lyon against Rufo and Castello. The goal is to maintain this level for as long as possible."

She insists: "With Georgia, everything is simple. We get along really well, and I truly believe we can do something great together."

Too many pair changes on the circuit?

She is tired of the current system of constantly changing partners:
"Honestly, it's awful. I've had to play with 7 or 8 partners this year. It would be good to only allow one or two changes per year. That would allow us to build a real project."

She even mentions the Collombon/Martinez case: "I don't quite understand Alix's former partner's decision to stop, but I can understand it because their separation came after a year together, but when it changes after one or two tournaments, it doesn't make sense."

“Alix could have even contacted and played with Georgia. When I asked her why she hadn't, she replied that she knew I'd had a tough year and that out of friendship, she couldn't ask her, knowing we were supposed to play together again. That's really beautiful.”

“If I had to play with the player who seems to best suit my game, obviously Gemma Triay or Sofia Aurajo… Another player I really like is Carmen Goenaga.”

Léa Godallier FIP promises Paris

French Championships: a calendar that needs revising?

Despite a busy schedule, Léa remains committed to the French Championships.

“The only way to allow Alix to continue the French Championships was to change the date to September. The FFT is well aware of this. The French Championships are a very busy period for us on the circuit.”
"It always comes at a bad time, right in the middle of a series of tournaments, but it's important for me to be there. It's also a way to thank the Federation for helping me. Maybe one day I'll be too tired, but for now, I want to continue."

Since the announcement of Alix Collombon's withdrawal from the French Championships, speculation has been rife.
"So far, no one has contacted me, and I really appreciate that respect. I'll see depending on which side I play on the circuit: if I stay on the right, why not with Jess if she continues; if I go back to the left, Carla Touly or Lucile Pothier could be options. But nothing is decided."

French youth facing the Spanish wall

For Léa, the difference between France and Spain is above all cultural :
"The Spanish live and breathe padel. They've had a racket in their hand since they were children. In France, we're slowly catching up with the CNE and the academies. It's going in the right direction, but it takes time."

"What do people wish for me? To stay with Georgia, first and foremost. And above all, to keep the joy. As long as there's pleasure, even in war, that's what matters."

Credit: Inside Court / FIP Promises Paris by WME

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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