Louise Bahurel and Lucile Pothier are the first finalists of the 2026 French Padel Championships.  The number 2 seed lived up to his status perfectly in the semi-final by dominating  Manon Marcarie and Cassandra Senjean, 6/3 6/0 .

A quick victory against a pair who had nevertheless pulled off one of the tournament's biggest upsets just a few hours earlier: Marcarie/Senjean had eliminated them in the quarter-finals  Lou Lambert Agosti / Kimy Barla  at the end of three sets, 6/1 6/7 6/1.

For Bahurel and Pothier, the objective has been achieved: they will be there on Sunday to compete for the title. But the two Frenchwomen know,  an extra step  awaits them in the final.

After their qualification, they spoke to the microphone of  Padel Magazine  on their semi-final, their journey, their status as outsiders for the title, but also on the particular situation of Lucile Pothier, much less present on the international circuit despite her selection in the French team.

"We were considered favorites."

 Padel Magazine You're in the final, where you wanted to be. Was there still a bit of pressure before this semi-final? 

 Louise Bahurel: 
A little bit of pressure, but not too much. Besides, we had the status of favorites, so it's always a bit special.

On paper, we're supposed to win, so naturally, it can be a bit more stressful. But personally, I was mostly motivated.

I think we played better and better as the tournament progressed. We were in good shape, motivated,  we were in cane .

"The tournament started yesterday."

 Padel Magazine One could almost get the impression that your tournament is really starting now with this final? 

 Lucile Pothier: 
No, the tournament started yesterday!

We really told ourselves we were going to take the matches one at a time. Of course, our goal was to reach the final and win that match against Léa and Carla.

But we really worked together match by match.

Now we know that tomorrow,  there will be an extra step .

"We're arriving hot as fire."

 Padel Magazine You've come through the bracket with some very harsh scores. Could the fact that you haven't been pushed to your limits be a disadvantage before a final that promises to be much more difficult? 

 Louise Bahurel: 
Can we really reach the final without being tired? I don't think so.

We did face some adversity. Today, the first set was close, and this morning it wasn't so easy either.

So yes, the results and scores may seem harsh, but nevertheless, these are matches that we had to play at 100%.

So no, we're reaching the final.  we are hot as fire .

And now, I especially hope we have a good match.

Pothier explains why she plays little internationally

 Padel Magazine Lucile, a question that comes up regularly about you is: why don't we see you more on the international circuit? 

 Lucile Pothier: 
It's true that this is a question that comes up often, so I'm going to clarify it.

I spent four years in the United States pursuing my tennis career. This was already a significant investment, and when I returned to France, I wanted to secure my professional future.

For me, it's important to  keep a full-time job on the side .

My job allows me to manage my time, but today, combining international tournaments, French tournaments and my professional activity is complicated.

I also had a somewhat difficult year on a personal level.

However,  I train three times a week at Esprit Padel with François Authier  And I do physical training with Bastien.

I'm seen less at tournaments, but I continue to train regularly. That's mainly why I'm less present in competitions.

"I can understand these questions."

 Padel Magazine : Do you understand those who wonder why you are selected when other players are present all year round on the international circuit? 

 Lucile Pothier: 
Yes, indeed, I can understand those reactions. It makes sense.

There are other girls who play on the circuit all year round and who achieve very good results.

Ultimately, it's not me who makes the final decision.

I think that, regarding the latest deadlines,  I showed that I could rise to the occasion. During my last two appearances for the French national team, we faced crucial matches and I showed that I could be there in those moments.

There was also the French national team training camp where, for my part, I think it went well. That may have also played a part.

Then, I hear the comments. I'm less present on social media, I play fewer tournaments, so naturally, I'm seen less and that can cause a stir.

But the decision rests with the coach.

Godallier / Touly, the anticipated final?

Bahurel and Pothier now have to wait to officially find out who their opponents will be for the final.

The logic of the table places  Léa Godallier and Carla Touly  like the overwhelming favorites in the other semi-final.

A potential duel between the top two seeds would place Bahurel and Pothier in a very different situation.

After assuming their status as favorites for much of the tournament, they would become the underdogs.

 Padel Magazine Louise, many people see Léa and Carla as strong favorites if you find them in the final. Do you think that makes sense? 

 Louise Bahurel: 
Yes, it makes sense that people think that way. They're not necessarily wrong.

 We are not the favorites. 

Léa is around 50th in the world, Carla plays very well and she is in the top 100. On paper, these are girls who are much better ranked than us.

So no, it's not wrong to say that they would be favorites.

"First, we're going to enjoy this victory."

 Padel Magazine Have you already started thinking tactically about this final? 

 Louise Bahurel: 
No, we haven't talked about it yet.

I think we'll go take a shower, have a drink, and enjoy ourselves a bit!

Maybe we'll talk about it tonight or tomorrow morning. We just got out of the match.

We'll first try to  enjoy this victory Then we'll prepare for the final calmly, with a clear head.

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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