From August 20th to 23rd, the Club du Jeu de Paume de Bordeaux had the honor of hosting the world’s 16 best under-18 players for the third edition of the Junior World Championships. For the first time outside of England, this high-level competition provided an exceptional showcase for the sport while marking a new chapter in the history of the Bordeaux club, which opened only in 2020.
The Context: A Tournament Like No Other
With 16 young talents participating, including four French players, one Australian, and an army of eleven British players, the tournament promised to be a very high-level competition. This edition was special not only because it was held outside of England for the first time but also because each player had the opportunity to play at least four matches. Indeed, all rankings were contested, ensuring maximum playing time and offering everyone a chance to progress throughout the competition. The idea was that each player, once back home, at school, university, or their club, could proudly say, "I finished Xth in the Junior World Championships!"
The Early Days: Matches that Set the Tone
From the very first match, the tone was set: a three-set battle between Archie Watson (Oratory, UK) and Archie Campbell (Bristol, UK), won by Watson 6/4, 2/6, 6/2. This duel immediately captured the audience’s attention and kicked off the tournament in the best possible way.
The evenings were equally lively, especially during the prime-time match where Théo Besnard (Holyport, FR) delivered a strong performance by eliminating Oscar Newall in the first round. The tournament was also marked by moments of high intensity, such as in the quarterfinals when Joseph Bradley (Oratory, UK) nearly caused an upset by pushing the world number one, Maximus Warner (Queen's, UK), to his limits (6/4, 4/6, 6/5).
Key Moments: Semifinals and Final
The semifinals lived up to expectations. Max Warner, despite a severe scoreline of 6/1, 6/0 against Sebastian Edwards (Wellington, UK), had to work hard to gain the upper hand in very competitive rallies. On the other side of the draw, Laszlo Garson (Radley, UK) delivered an outstanding performance by defeating Algernon Nottingham (Holyport, UK) 6/3, 0/6, 6/3. This match was one of the most thrilling of the tournament, with comebacks and intense exchanges throughout.
The final certainly delivered on its promise. Maximus Warner, a left-handed prodigy at just 13 years old, faced an equally talented Laszlo Garson. Despite a final score of 6/3, 6/3 in Warner's favor, each game was fiercely contested, often decided at deuce. The spectators witnessed a true battle of titans, highlighting the bright future that awaits these two young champions.
The Podium: The Emergence of Young Talents
- 1st - Max Warner 🥇 : A left-hander at only 13 years old, who dominated the tournament from start to finish. His victory promises an exceptional career.
- 2nd - Laszlo Garson 🥈 : At 14 years old, Garson displayed a solid game, impressive footwork, and a remarkably pure ball strike.
- 3rd - Algernon Nottingham 🥉 : At 15 years old, Nottingham dazzled with his touch and elegant play. England can look forward to a bright future with these young talents.
The French: Brilliant and Brave
Our French players also left their mark on the tournament. Théo Besnard, initially ranked 11th, achieved the feat of finishing in an impressive 6th place, demonstrating consistent progress and unwavering determination. Paul Saussier and Wandé Blanchot, despite a challenging competition, finished 15th and 16th respectively, but their fighting spirit and exemplary attitude were praised by all. This tournament provided them with invaluable experience against the world’s best young players.
Tableau du Tournoi
JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP par Baudouin HuynhA Festive Atmosphere: An Unforgettable Tournament
Beyond the matches, the Club du Jeu de Paume de Bordeaux successfully created a warm and festive atmosphere, allowing players, families, and spectators to fully enjoy the event. On Tuesday evening, a BBQ at the club brought together nearly 75 people, and on Wednesday, an oyster tasting in Andernos gathered about 50 guests for a memorable moment of sharing. On Thursday evening, a standing dinner at the Club Christ Craft, on the banks of the Garonne, offered a unique experience. By opting for this different format from the traditional seated dinners, we aimed to make a lasting impression and offer a new way to come together and celebrate.
Impact and Visibility: Bordeaux on the International Scene
The tournament also benefited from excellent media coverage, with several articles published and a mini-report on France 3, providing great visibility for the club. The tournament was streamed live on YouTube by Ben Geytenbeek, allowing enthusiasts from around the world to follow the matches in real time. Bordeaux is thus establishing itself as a stronghold for real tennis, both nationally and internationally.
Gratitude to our sponsors and continuing the celebration of our juniors
A big thank you to the sponsors (CFCP, Dedanists, Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine), as well as the FFT Comité de Gironde and all the local partners who supported this event. We also extend our gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, and players for making this tournament a resounding success.
To relive the tournament in video, you can find the full streams of the matches on YouTube: Lien le Streaming.
additional content is available on the tournament site: Lien vers le Site du Tournoi
All the best from the Bordeaux club and we hope to welcome you for a game or tournament!
