On the occasion of FIP Rise of Bandol, Marc Andreu, ex-rugby international, took part in the personalities tournament on the sidelines of the competition.

At the microphone Padel Magazine, he explains how he discovered the padel. He also gives his impressions of the event, shares an anecdote with Dimitri Szarzewski and tells us about his player padel prefer.

His return on the event

Frédéric Donne, the president of Bandol, had been talking to me about it for a while, that he wanted to build a track on the port of Bandol. I found this project exceptional. Once there, it's even more exceptional since the setting is magnificent. Install an ephemeral plot of land padel on the port of Bandol, it's really incredible, especially knowing that it is a booming sport in the Var region.

FIP Rise Bandol

His discovery of padel

I discovered the padel a year and a half ago. My partner and I started playing a little bit, and eventually we were quickly hooked. Now we play two to three times a week. When we finish our work, during the lunch break, we quickly go play. Today, we're playing at the Tennis Club Toulonnais (TCT) and we're having a great time.

I play more on the right, but my partner is left-handed, so obviously I have to play on the left… However, I play like a right-hander. So, let's say that it's me who tries to run a little and catch the balls, and my partner simply finishes the points.

Marc Andreu FIP Rise Bandol

The anecdote with Dimitri Szarzewski

So there are a lot of people playing padel in the world of rugby, more and more, because this sport, a few years ago, was not well known enough for everyone to be able to play it. I know I have friends who play padel.

I have a little anecdote: I joined Racing not long ago, and we played a match with Dimitri Szarzewski, who told us he was very, very good. In the end, I can confirm today, he's really not very good (laughs).

His player padel prefer

I still look at it quite a bit padel on TV. I think it's spectacular, even if it's not at all the same game as us. When you see them on TV you feel like it's so easy, but trying to replicate what they do is really difficult. There are a lot of talented pairs.

I like watching Tolito because he's a slightly whimsical player, who doesn't take his head and who makes exceptional shots. So, if I have to name a player, I prefer to name him, even if he is perhaps not the most talented.

A fun sport for all levels

I find it a very fun sport. That is to say, whatever your level, if you are with the right people in the field, you will always have fun, whether you are at a low, medium or very good level.

We see that many high-level athletes or former athletes excel in this sport. It requires a certain reactivity, a good vision of the ball, its trajectory, and so on. So, I think that high-level sport gives you certain starting qualities that allow you to play this game well.

It's true that it's a sport, as you say, a little less restrictive on the joints, which requires a certain vivacity. But depending on your placement, you can do really interesting things.”

Dorian Massy

New follower of padel, I am fascinated by this dynamic sport which combines strategy and agility. I find in the padel a new passion to explore and share with you on Padel Magazine.

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