Thomas Leygue and Clément Geens delivered a very strong performance by eliminating players in the first round of the tournament.  Premier Padel London P1  the formidable pair composed of the Spaniard  Alvaro Cepero (51st in the world)  and Argentinian  Agustin “El Loco” Torre (66th in the world) Trailing after losing the first set, the Frenchman (ranked 167th in the world) and the Belgian (ranked 81st in the world) found the strength to turn the match around and win.  3/6 6/3 6/4  after  1h47 of combat .

At match point, the two men remained incredulous for a few moments. The looks exchanged between Leygue and Geens spoke volumes: they themselves seemed to be struggling to grasp what they had just accomplished. This qualification for the second round of the very first edition of the London P1 undoubtedly represents one of their finest victories on the professional circuit.

Statistics that confirm their dominance

Beyond the score, the figures perfectly illustrate the rise to power of the Franco-Belgian pair.

Leygue and Geens won  54% of the points contested , compared to 46% for their opponents. A difference that is far from insignificant at this level.

They displayed great solidity on their service games, winning  70% of points behind their first serve , compared to 57% for Cepero and Torre. Even more impressively, they dominated in return with  43% of points won on the opponent's first serves , compared to only 30% on the other side of the net.

In total, they win  66% of points on their service games  et  43% of the points returned , compared to 57% and 34% respectively for the Spanish-Argentine pair. All these statistics show that this victory was no accident.

Male padel player in a white shirt and cap on an indoor court, fist raised in a triumph pose, holding a perforated paddle.
Premier Padel London P1
Side view of a male athlete in white sportswear walking on an indoor court, net in the background.
Premier Padel London P1

A victory full of meaning for Thomas Leygue

For Thomas Leygue, this victory goes far beyond a simple qualification.

Having returned to competition after an injury that abruptly halted his rise, the former French number one continues to send very positive signals. Of course, he will need to confirm this form in the coming weeks, but this victory against two players ranked in the world's Top 70 already represents a major milestone in his return to the highest level.

This performance also comes in a particular context. The Frenchman was not selected by Pablo Ayma for the Mediterranean Games, the coach having notably preferred Yoan Boronad at right-back. A decision that the Frenchman has now clearly understood. Thomas Leygue, a pillar of the French team for several seasons, who notably participated in the 2024 European Games in Poland, is responding on the field.

Beating a player of Alvaro Cepero's caliber, partnered with the experienced Agustin Torre, represents a strong argument at a time when competition is fierce to join major international competitions.

Leygue/Geens overturn Cepero/Torre: a major feat that sends a strong message

Next challenge: Lebrón and Augsburger

With this prestigious victory, Thomas Leygue and Clément Geens continue their London adventure with renewed confidence. After defeating a pair composed of two members of the world's Top 70 in the second round, the challenge will be even greater. Thomas Leygue and Clément Geens will face the  seed n ° 3 , made of  Juan Lebrón  et  Leo Augsburg , one of the most formidable pairs in the draw.

On paper, the match seems very lopsided. The Spanish and Argentinian favorites logically possess the tools to control this encounter and avoid any unpleasant surprises. But it is precisely in this type of match that the Franco-Belgian pair will have absolutely nothing to lose. Free from all pressure, Leygue and Geens will be able to play their game, try their luck, take risks, and fully seize this opportunity against two of the top players on the circuit.

After all, they've already defied expectations in the first round. So, while the feat seems immense, one thing is certain:  "Impossible" may not be a Franco-Belgian expression. 

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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