Toulouse. Doumbia and Reboul narrowly avoided leaving the road
Having come very close to defeat in the second round, the Toulousans now have seventeen titles in common, including eight in this category of the Challengers.
A little over two months they were waiting for this! After their title in Verona (Italy) in August, Sadio Doumbia (115th in the world in doubles) and Fabien Reboul (114th) climbed back up, Saturday in Brest, on the highest step of a Challenger tournament (2nd division of professional tennis). But on the road to this eighth common sacred in this category (the fifth of the season – they have seventeen titles side by side in all categories), the Stade Toulousain players came close to elimination in the second round against the pair. Britain’s Liam Broady-Luke Johnson (4-6, 7-6, 10-7). “We led 6-4, 5-4 and 40-0. We saved four match points on fairly hot spots,” explains Fabien.
In the final, the Stadistes, seeded N.4, were treated to another suspenseful scenario against the Italians Salvatore Caruso-Federico Gaio (4-6, 6-3, 10-3). “As often, there is a part of luck, especially in the super tie-break which seems to be a decisive round. But in Brest, we were especially lucky to have a great atmosphere with a lot of people in the stands. A week longer. early in Croatia (loss in the quarterfinals, editor’s note), there was hardly anyone to watch us play, ”said Sadio. Since the stopover in Verona, the Toulousains had competed in seven other stages of the Challenger circuit with two halves, four quarters and one exit in the first round as a result. “Without forgetting several days locked up in the hotel, in Portugal, because of the sanitary context. Obviously, this period without being able to touch the racket was not easy to manage. Despite everything, in the heads, we always have a good state of mind “, assures the two accomplices, wait yesterday in the quarterfinals at the Challenger of Tenerife (Spain) with the number N.1 on the shoulders.
Interclubs in the sights
In their agenda, Sadio and Fabien will set their sights on the Challenger de Roanne next week. Then, they will meet their friends at the Stadium (notably with Hugo Gaston and Benjamin Bonzi) for the Pro A Interclubs, scheduled between November 20 and December 4. “An event that is really close to our hearts. It also allows us to cut a little with the routine of the international circuit,” they admit.
As for 2022, the duo already have a wish: “This season, we were interrupted by injuries. For next year, we really hope to achieve a full season.”