Jimmy Devaux: “Padel is more in line with today’s lifestyle”

At a time co-organizer du FIP Silver Caen et committed player on the slopes, at 39 years old, Jimmy Devaux has once again proven that he knows how to conjugate organizational requirement et competition, by treating themselves to a final of pre-season alongside Alban Mounier Alonso (aka Albano Padel) during this second edition of the FIP Bronze au FIP Silver.

Dedicated player, without professional status

Jimmy Devaux fully embraces his status as very dedicated amateur player, regularly present on the circuit.
« You don't have to be a professional to be well supported."The jersey, the partners, it's also a way to have fun while we still can."

Former semi-professional table tennis playerHe claims this technical lineage.
"The Ping-pong gave me a very good hand"Reflexes, the small gesture. I tried to adapt that to padel, especially on the return of serve."

Its hidden topspin, particularly confusing, has become a signature.
"There are almost no gesture"Just a flick of the wrist. It happens at the last moment; it's deliberately disguised."

Jimmy Devaux: “Padel is more in line with today’s lifestyle”

Strengths… and acknowledged limitations

Despite facing more powerful players, Devaux remains clear-headed.
« I'm not good at the net"I rarely hit winners. My game is about avoiding mistakes. In this match, I tried to push a little harder, and naturally, that leads to frustration."

He also emphasizes the physical and mental dimension padel.
"It's no less physical than other sports, it's differentThe heart rate can go very high. And the mental focus It plays a huge role, we don't always realize it.

A structuring club project in Normandy

Alongside the tournament, Jimmy Devaux is also entrepreneur "du "paddle club".
“Basically, I found myself with a plot of land on my hands after the first edition. I called three friends and we said: we create a club »

The project originated in Granville, a tourist area that is still poorly equipped.
"Today, we have a 100% autonomous structurewith a doubles court and a singles court, and it works very well. We just submitted a permit application for add four additional tracks »

Eventually, the Tcholé Padel The club will expand with a a true clubhouse.
“We want to keep the autonomous part for late hours, and develop alongside it a real club"...with a seminar room, badminton facilities, a high-quality center court, and a clubhouse designed as a social hub."

FIP Silver Caen: sporting success and areas for improvement

From an organizational standpoint, Devaux is pleased with the assembled team.
" A FIP Silver"That's very good. The proof is in the pudding: the level is there."

But he also identifies areas for improvement on the FIP circuit.
"The registration system "That deserves some thought. Releasing the draws too early could discourage some players. Perhaps they should be published on the day of the event."

Another sensitive issue: late bookings.
"Close registration" 10 days before"That doesn't make much sense. A lot can happen in ten days: injuries, fitness, travel."

He also raises the issue of penalties.
"It won't be popular, but we need to empowerFinding a medical certificate these days is sometimes too easy.

An event that leaves a lasting impression.

On the field as well as in the stands, the popular success is at the rendezvous.
"From the very first match of the morning, there were already crowds. The stands are full, and this is just the beginning."

The highlight will take place at Exhibition Park, with over 3,000 spectators expected for the finals.
"We wanted to propose something different"...with a live concert after the matches. The scoreboard becomes a stage, the net disappears, the field is transformed."

A deliberate vision.
"We like out of the ordinaryto challenge oneself and make a lasting impression. Normandy is a true padel land"...with people sometimes coming from very far away to attend the matches."

A clear-eyed look at the evolution of padel

Comparing padel and tennis, Jimmy Devaux observes a clear evolution.
“Padel is more in line with current pace of lifeToday, people who aren't familiar with the sport simply come to watch good matches.

However, he remains attentive to the balance of the game.
"There may be some Areas for improvement, such as slightly slowing down the balls or promoting more diversity at the highest level. But when you see 16,000 people in the stands in Barcelona, you know thatsomething is happening »

With a final, more personal touch, the former table tennis player concluded without hesitation.
"Today, I'm taking more fun watching a padel match than a table tennis match. Even if the Lebrun brothers remain an absolute benchmark. I'll always be a ping-pong kid at heart.

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.