It was necessary to adapt to Lucile Pothier and Jessica Ginier in the semifinals of P2000 of Spirit Padel Lyon. Between a few physical glitches and opponents, Marie Lefevre and Émilie Loit, who were always more formidable, the two members of the French team were able to find the necessary adjustments to secure their place in the final. A look back at this encounter with Lucile Pothier, which also discusses the challenges of the French and international circuit.

A complicated start to the game

From the start of the match, Lucile Pothier et Jessica Ginier were put under pressure by their opponents. A difficulty that the player explains by the quality of the opponent's play:

“They have been making it to the last four for several tournaments now and we understand why. They were really impressive. At the beginning, we had trouble seeing what they were doing and we didn't have many options. Afterwards, we managed to adapt our tactics, but honestly, they were really impressive.”

Conducted 4-1 in the first set, the two players were able to count on the advice of François Authier to react.

“He told me: ‘Lucie, you’re not in Guadeloupe anymore, you have to stop being on your beach, put some intensity and impose your game’. It’s true that we were watching too much what they were doing instead of applying our own plan. They were guarding the net very well, but as soon as we managed to push them back, they had more trouble.”

A necessary adaptation when faced with two left-handers

One of the specificities of this match was the presence of two left-handers opposite, which forced Pothier and Ginier to adjust their approach.

“It’s surprising to see so many balls coming with left-handed spin, even from the line. For me, who plays on the right, I’m used to it, but for Jessica, it was more complicated. We had to lob a little more to give ourselves time and break their rhythm.”

Concerns over Jessica Ginier's knee

The meeting was also marked by a physical alert for Jessica Ginier, who felt knee pain after a bad support.

“She felt her knee lock after a movement. According to the physiotherapist, it was the head of the fibula that had gotten a little stuck. We’ll see how it evolves, but she said that when she walked it was fine. When it’s cold, we’ll keep a close eye on it.”

The French ranking in question

Asked about the ranking of French players, Lucile Pothier highlights the difficulty for some to obtain a better position due to the FIP and French calendar.

“It’s a bit complicated for those who are not 100% on the FIP circuit. To be selected in France team, you have to do FIPs, but by playing them, you miss the French tournaments. Last year, I missed two P2000 because of FIP and another because of World's Championships. As a result, the ranking takes a hit.”

Regarding her next tournaments, the player remains in a freer dynamic:

“This season, I will operate differently. Last year, I invested a lot in the FIP and a little bit about French tournaments. This year, I will choose my tournaments according to my desires and opportunities.”

Uncertainty for the final

If qualification for the final is achieved, Jessica Ginier remains uncertain due to his knee problem.

“Playing a final here, in my club, is important, but health comes first. Jessica is also a coach, so she can't afford to force herself if her knee doesn't hold up. We'll make the right choices for the future.”

So come and see if Pothier and Ginier will be able to defend their chances in the final of P2000 of Spirit Padel Lyon.

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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