Tison / Forcin: “For a set and a half, Esbri / Diestro were really scared of us”

Facing off against the number one seeds, Jose Antonio Diestro and Juanlu Esbri, two members of the world's top 1, Benjamin Tison and Max Forcin delivered an intense match before losing in three sets (30/6 7/6 4/6) at the FIP Silver in Narbonne. Despite the defeat, the French duo impressed. Here's a quick look back at their performance and the spirit that drives them.

“We showed that we could compete.”

Benjamin Tison makes no secret of his satisfaction despite the defeat. The Frenchman, who no longer prioritizes competition, held his own against two of the best players in the world.

Benjamin Tison:
"I'm proud to have been able to compete at this level. You have to put things into context: here, you can't get the ball out. The conditions level the game. We were very good, I don't want to take any credit away from us, but these conditions allowed us to believe. We had the opportunity to win. Maxime hit it very hard behind the line, they couldn't lob him."

He pursues :
"Maxime Forcin played a monstrous match. I think at one point, he was even stronger than them. We had three chances that we didn't convert, then they were more solid. I suffered a big drop in physical strength; I hadn't played since Bordeaux."

The former French number 1 admits it frankly:
"Today, acting is no longer my priority. I work 7-8 hours a day with Yvan, Timo, and the others. But I told Max I would give it my all. And I fought like a dog."

“They were scared, really scared.”

Facing Diestro and Esbri, the French duo clearly made their opponents doubt themselves. And even earned respect.

Tison:
“For a set and a half, I think they were really scared of us. They took us seriously. Before the match, I saw them warming up, focused. Juanlu even told me afterward: “Repeat, resume.” It’s funny, because I know I won’t resume. But it’s always nice when players like them tell you that.”

Max Forcin also remembers the pleasure of this benchmark match.

Max Forcin:
"I really enjoyed it. As Ben said, if there was a drop in physicality, it's a good sign. It means we've held them. If we lead 2-0 in the second, they doubt even more. We had a very specific tactic, which we maintained for almost two sets."

But he also highlights the difference at key moments:
"When they started to play better, we felt their solidity. They are very strong in the important areas."

“Max has shown that he deserves even more”

Benjamin Tison is full of praise for his teammate, suggesting he deserves a spot on the French national team.

Tison:
"Max would have been the first French FIP player to beat a top 30 seed in the world. I believed it at one point. It will be for another time. We'll do a tournament together again in August, and I hope he gets a reward: either a selection for Roland Garros or for the French national team. He deserves it, given the year he's had."

An accomplice pair, beyond the padel

Forcin looks back on their collaboration:

Forcin:
"It's going really well. We have the same project. We work side by side, so we don't always have time to train. I do physical training whenever I can, because it's the basis of my game. Ben has such a good hand, such a feeling, that he can compensate in other ways."

Tison continues frankly about his current level:

Tison:
"I'm a little less good than before, that's for sure. But Pablo Ayma (the French national team coach) told me in Bordeaux that I was as good as before. He thought I'd improved my forward play and my reading skills. Before, I was ranked 57th in the world. Now, I think I'm playing at a level between 100 and 120."

On his feelings:
"In terms of shots, I'm doing well. However, on transitions, the small backhands that stay in the cushion, it's a close call. I'm lacking rhythm, matches."

And a promise made to his students:

Tison:
"I told Yoan and Timéo that if I were selected for the French team, I would do the three weeks of preparation with them. In terms of fitness, nutrition, everything."

“Today I play for fun.”

Tison is clear: there is no question of becoming a full-time player again.

Tison:
"If I'm picked up for the French team, and people think I deserve it, I'll go. I was number 6 for six years, I was ranked 1th in the world, I qualified directly for the final draws. But I won't go back for an entire season like Jo (Johan Bergeron) or Bastien (Blanqué). That's no longer my plan."

And he concludes:
“Today, I just want to be happy. Enjoy a tournament with Max, have a beer after a win or a loss. Be surrounded by good people. That's my life now.”

Max Forcin: a ticket to the French team?

Asked about a possible selection for the French team, Tison is cautious but confident:

Tison:
"Winning a ticket isn't up to me. What's certain is that by playing like he did, Max is scoring points. We also have to respect the young players coming up. But with the results he's putting together, he deserves a spot. Not for one game. But for the entire season, yes."

Forcin, however, remains on course:

Forcin:
"I stay detached from all that. I do my work, I give my lessons, I enjoy myself. If it doesn't bring me anything anymore, I'll stop competing. But for now, it's nothing but happiness."

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.