Toulouse-Balma ITF: the rebirth of Kenny De Schepper
Winner of Jules Marie, in the semi-final, Kenny De Schepper, who trains in the Toulouse region, performs. The former 64th in the ATP ranking is having an excellent week on the Balma courts.
A real quiet strength. Led a set to 0 and as he was taken down in a crucial tie-break, Kenny De Schepper never lost his cool. From the height of his 2m03, the native of Bordeaux recovered to conclude this second round, 7-3, in the tie-break. Marie missed her chance.
In a game that will have exceeded two hours of play, the two Frenchmen will each have had their moment, offering superb points to the very many spectators, some of whom have more than 30 moves. But it was Kenny De Schepper who better managed the hot moments. “I managed to win the important points, especially in the second set. In the end, he went down a foot physically and those points made the difference. »
A mind of steel
After many weeks punctuated by injuries, the one who reached the knockout stages of Wimbledon in 2013 is relishing. “I stayed long despite some rain. Above all, I shouldn’t get frustrated. I didn’t let the game slip away, so I’m really happy with this result. ” Seeded number 4 in this Balma tournament, he is now in the final, on the courts where he is used to training throughout the year.
However, this Saturday, after a successful start to the match where he led 3-0, De Schepper conceded six consecutive games but left no room for doubt. “I couldn’t find a solution and Jules was playing at a very high level. I kept playing my tennis, I persisted and it worked. “Result, 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 and a final against the young Vietnamese Nam Hoang (this Sunday, 3 p.m.). Before, perhaps, finding the qualifications for a Grand Slam and the joys of the big circuit.