Iconic captain of the French women's team, Robin Haziza looks back on an intense and successful week during the 2025 European Championships, marked by the silver medal won by the Blues. Between collective satisfaction, the group's development and future prospects, he shares his lucid and passionate view of this European campaign.

A perfect week?

“Yes, a perfect week… and even ten days!”

We started our campaign at FIP of Lyon, with training sessions and essential group moments before an international competition. In our group, Italy was clearly the big favorite. After two serious encounters against England et Germany, we have ultimately warded off the curse by winning this third decisive match which, in the past, had often been fatal for us.

We had prepared this meeting very well and I knew it was possible if everyone believed in it. It's a beautiful symbol that this match was won by Lucile, who lost in the deciding match at the last European Championship, associated with Louise, the “rookie” of the group, who played a very big match.

Robin Haziza: “We come out with our heads held high against Italy”

The hardest part then was to remobilize quickly : beating Italy didn't give us a medal, only a place in the semi-finals, with the possibility of a dream final. This time we were favorites against a dangerous Belgian team, who had a superb campaign after coming out of qualifying. We held our own.

And then, the final, it was a bonus. Our European Championship was already a success. We put our heart into annoying the people as much as possible. best players in the world. We have nothing to be ashamed of, simply continue to work even more to get closer to it.

Do you have the best team you've ever had today?

“A team that arrives without physical problems and is mentally healthy, that changes everything!”

We were finished bronze medalists during the last Euro, and the momentum was a little “spoiled” by a match lost by three points at the World Cup. Without these difficulties, I am convinced that we would have beaten Portugal to reach a World Cup semi-final.

What will the French do at the 2024 World Championships?

This team is forte, yes! And the contribution of Louise Bahurel, which evolves at its own pace and grows every day, has helped us a lot, particularly in favorable playing conditions to her qualities: her warmth and her ability to smash. Now it's up to her to want to go higher, giving herself the means to progress every day. The potential is there.

I said it before leaving: all players play more on the tour and it shows. It's a necessary step to progress and compete with the best in Europe.

The girls who have invested the most this year deserve their medal : they went for it with their hearts, with true unity. An international competition is not an FIP or a tournament. Premier Padel : There is a team spirit, a collective dimension, an extra touch of audacity.

On Belgians are proof of this: they achieve incredible performances without necessarily playing the circuit, carried by the team spirit. This is a dimension that must be kept in mind in these competitions.

Robin Haziza Coaching France Euro 2025 team
FIP Credit

Did the playing conditions and the new format convince you?

“The conditions were great, it must be said.”

The three courts in the arena were perfect, with a heat which helped us against Italy, but which could have caused us difficulties against Belgium. It all depends on the opponent's qualities and our ability to adapt the game.

On the new format, I find that rather very good. A Final 8 promotes big games and allows the best teams, like Spain, to play fewer games without stakes. This adds spice. All that's missing is the No-Ad, and we will vibrate even more!

The fact that only the semi-finals are disputed brings an additional stake. It is true that it is sometimes disadvantageous for boys, but it makes the competition more readable and more spectacular. The stands were full in the final, and it was a amazing experience for all the players, not always used to this type of atmosphere.

Ginier / Haziza French team retires Euro 2025

What are your greatest satisfactions in this group?

"I don't want to take out any particular player."

All of them played an important role: Alix Collombon, undisputed holder, but also Camille(Sireix) and sousou (Charlotte Soubrié), who were impeccable despite less playing time. This is undoubtedly the end of an era, and it will soon be necessary prepare the next generation, but this team was beautiful to watch play et great to accompany the whole week.

Jessica Ginier, a silver medal for her final chapter in the French team

A little personal revenge?

“The past? We can talk about it.”

Trois European Championships as captain: two silver medals and one bronze medal. This is already a very good result. Certainly, there have been a failed world cup in Dubai, a semi-final lost in the last match against Italy, and this famous duel against Portugal at the last World Cup where Lea (Godallier) and Carla (Touly) were three points away from a medal. This match was much talked about...

But I'll tell you something: we finished second this year, and yet we're light years away from being the best.
There are about thirty Spanish girls who play better than us. And at the same time, we are far from being the weakest when we lose to Portugal at the 2024 World Cup.

We simply need to put a little more measure into the results and the manner.

La FFT works, the project is long term, and the opening of the CNE (National Training Center) will, I am sure, allow for great ambitions. Today, our team remains 80% composed of amateurs, who give their all, sometimes successfully, sometimes less so.

After the World Cup, we have exchanged a lot with the girls and with Alexia Déchaume, whom I thank for his trust. The arrival of Baptiste (Bénétoux), this year, was also precious: it allowed better monitoring of players and brought me complementary expertise throughout the competition.

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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