Back to  Bordeaux Premier Padel P2  having missed the previous edition due to injury,  Thomas Leygue  He rediscovered his smile thanks to a victory that also allowed him to turn the page after a few particularly difficult days on a personal level. Between his attachment to Madrid, his Argentinian accent, the pleasure of playing again in front of the French public, and his ideal eleven of French players, the French number one opened up to  Padel Magazine .

 "This kind of victory feels really good." 

 Padel Magazine :  Congratulations on this victory. The last few days have been particularly difficult for you. Are you feeling a little better?

 Thomas Leygue:  I prefer to laugh about it than cry. I've had quite a few problems these past few days. It's part of an athlete's life, even if it's been very tough mentally, and it still is a little today. But this kind of match is really good for you. It allows you to get back on the field and forget everything that's happened for a while.

 Padel Magazine :  Did you experience these difficulties during the match?

 Thomas Leygue:  No. As soon as I step onto the court, I go into my own world. I completely forget what's going on outside. Otherwise, with everything that's happened to me these past few months, I don't think I could even play padel anymore. On the court, I completely disconnect from everything else.

 "It's always special to play at home." 

 Padel Magazine :  You had to withdraw from the Bordeaux match last year due to your injury. I imagine you were eagerly awaiting this return.

 Thomas Leygue:  Yes, absolutely. I was sad not to have been able to play here last year. I participated in the 2024 edition, and coming back this year is a real pleasure. Reconnecting with the French audience in a venue like this is fantastic. Playing at home is always something special.

 "I built a life for myself in Madrid." 

 Padel Magazine :  You're one of the French players who went to train in Spain. If a structure equivalent to the one in Madrid existed in France, would you come back?

 Thomas Leygue:  Honestly, I don't think so. I've gotten used to my life in Spain. Besides the academy, all my friends are there. I've built a life for myself in Madrid and I don't want to start over. Of course, if there were a really good center close to my family, then I might consider it, but right now I see myself staying in Madrid.

:@ima

 "I learned Spanish from Argentinians." 

 Padel Magazine :  You speak Spanish with an Argentinian accent even though you live in Madrid. How do you explain that?

 Thomas Leygue:  (Laughs.) I'm losing it a little, but it's true that I still have it. When I arrived in Madrid, I only learned Spanish from Argentinians. I was convinced that everyone spoke like that! I simply copied what I heard every day, and the accent stuck.

 "On the field, there are only two opponents." 

 Padel Magazine :  Today you faced a player with whom you share the French team championship. Does that change anything?

 Thomas Leygue:  Not really. Once I'm on the pitch, I only see two opponents. Whether it's my best friend or someone I don't particularly like, the goal is still to win. There might be a bit more fair play in certain situations. In fact, today they even showed more of it than we did on a few contentious points. But otherwise, it doesn't change much.

 "Playing on the Chatrier court is exceptional." 

 Padel Magazine :  What is the most beautiful court you have ever played on?

 Thomas Leygue:  Philippe-Chatrier, without hesitation. I don't even know if I'll ever play on a more beautiful pitch. For a Frenchman, playing on Chatrier is something unique. Unless one day they install a pitch at the Vélodrome… then, why not! (Laughs.)

 The “perfect” French player according to Thomas Leygue 

In conclusion, Thomas Leygue played along with the game of creating a composite sketch of the ideal French player.

  •  best bajada :  Bastien Blanqué
  •  Best forehand volley:  Dylan Guichard
  •  Best backhand volley:  Thomas Leygue
  •  Best smash:  Timeo Fonteny
  •  Best in groups of 3:  Dylan Guichard or Bastien Blanqué
  •  Best defense:  Yoan Boronad
  •  Better mindset:  Benjamin Tison
  •  Best lob:  Thomas Leygue
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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