Sacha Devriendt, a resident of the Vichy National Training Center (CNE), gave a series of interviews during the Île-de-France Youth Masters. The young U14 player shared his thoughts on his first year at the center, his partnership with Nolann Ballay at Club des Pyramides during this 2026 Île-de-France Youth Masters, and his goals for the end of the season.

Three interviews in the same day: the "price of success"? On the occasion of the Île-de-France Youth Masters, Sacha Devriendt took a few minutes to look back on his first season at the National Training Centre (CNE) in Vichy and his upcoming objectives, between the European Championships in Porto and the highly anticipated return to the FIP Promises Paris by WME.

 A first year at the CNE: between progress and distance 

 — What is life like at the CNE in Vichy? Can you describe the routine there? 

I'm really happy to be at the National Training Center this year, and I've just been selected for next year as well. As for the schedule, we train every day except the weekend, which is mostly reserved for competitions, either in Vichy or near Clermont. It's going very well. At the very beginning of the year, we were making friends little by little, so it was going well.

 — Hasn't the start of this year been a bit complicated, especially with being away from family? 

At first, it was a bit tough for the family, I think, and for me too. Being so far away, in Vichy, right in the middle of France, is a long way for them. So the beginning of the year was complicated, a bit for everyone. But now, things are going well.

 — What have you improved the most on since arriving at the center? 

Before coming here, I used to get frustrated at training. Now, that's not the case at all. And I also think I've improved in terms of game strategy and tactics. That's really where I've gained the most.

 "As soon as he gives up, we have to lift him up — that way, we can have a good match." 

 Nolann Ballay, a great player but… 

 — They say you have to be mentally strong to play with Nolann Ballay (laughs). Is that true? 

We need to bring him to the matches. As soon as he starts to lose heart, we need to lift his spirits. That way, we can have a good match.

 Heading to Porto for the French championships… and a rematch in Paris 

 — What are your next deadlines? 

First, there are the European Championships in Porto at the end of June/beginning of July, then the French Championships in August. But above all, there's the FIP Promises in Paris.

 — You reached the final there last year with Elliot Mura, after a very close semi-final. Any particular memory? 

Last time at this FIP with Elliot, we made it to the final, but after a really tough semi-final, so physically, it was difficult afterwards. This time, for this FIP, we're going to try to go for the win.

 — You're changing partners for this deadline: why? 

I always try to have a different partner each time. Here, it's mainly a question of age category: Elliot, who was born in 2011, is moving up to U16, while I, born in 2012, am staying in U14. So I'll be doing it with Siméo Debroy, who was also born in 2012 — and I'll do the same for the French championships.

 — Some players compete in two age categories within the same competition. Is that an option for you? 

I don't think so. At the FIP in Lyon, we had two categories, but there were a lot of injuries and withdrawals. So, we decided we would only have one category, to be in good physical condition.

 — For this second year at the CNE, what do you want to improve on as a priority? 

Perhaps more on a physical level. Right now, it's still there, but I'd need to rework it a bit.

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.

On the same subject

Tags