We are used to talking about the best French players, players exposed in the media... But this time, it's Jonathan Chailloux, unknown to the battalion, having never touched a tennis racket in his life, who set himself a goal: join the French TOP 1000. Possible?
"My name is Jonathan Chailloux, I have never touched a racket in my life except for the ping pong rackets at school. I have a goal: to reach the top 1000 French padel. Does anyone believe this possible?
May 2023: a friend tells me about his new sport, Padel.
June 2023: Come on, I'll try, without much conviction.
It's true that I'm coming a long way, having never played a racket sport, except for a few games of ping-pong with friends (I don't know if that counts).
And there, it's a revelation, I get a taste for it, I play a few matches with friends, a little laborious but I hang in there.
I'm getting my license and starting a few small tournaments.
I want to improve myself to practice more easily, I decide to take lessons.
First with Paul Daulan, thank you for your patience in my beginnings and your support.
August 2023: I take lessons in one of the best clubs in France, the padel Mas squash in Perpignan, a real pleasure.
September 2023: I'm starting training again with a new coach, and what a coach! Damien Lozano, 48th French player currently, a great sporting encounter. He helps me progress on technique and tactics and supports me on the mental and physical side. For his patience and courage, he deserves a medal.
October 2023: I continue the courses and tournaments with a long term goal of entering the top 1000…
December 2023 : I'm starting the P100, I'm feeling better and better and above all I'm gaining a lot of confidence, playing with my different partners allows me to adapt to the tactical change. I play one tournament on the right, another on the left. (Versatility is important, I think, to learn and better understand this sport).
With my coach Damien Lozano, we are going on an internship Padel near Barcelona with Xavi Figols. Intense days, a different vision of Padel which allows me to understand my approach.
February 2024 : to date, I have won 30 places and this is only the beginning... Recently, I participated in a P000 with a player more experienced than me who understood my sporting project and who helps me progress like it should be. I took this moment as an additional challenge.
2024… More great experiences to come, I hope for good progress and above all always have fun with the racket in hand.”