The Blues beaten on the first day of the Paris Beach Pro Tour
For their first steps on the sand of the world circuit, Julien Lyneel and Rémi Bassereau thrilled the few hundred spectators won over to their cause at the Roland-Garros center this Thursday evening. Opposed to the Poles Michal Bryl and Bartosz Lysiak, world numbers 2, the French duo almost created a surprise in the second set, after losing the first (21-13). Leading 18-14, they were joined (18-18) before offering themselves a set point (20-19), then giving in (22-20). If they competed against (5, including 4 in the second set for Bassereau, against 6 for Bryl) and took advantage of opposing faults (10), the French were too fair in attack (44%).
“We got better organized as we went along, we started to understand a little bit what they do, Rémi Bassereau analysis. Afterwards, it’s frustrating because there’s room, we’re a bit struggling in reception at the end. » Julien Lyneel retained this mixture of frustration and satisfaction: “We are not going to start celebrating a 2-0 defeat. They managed well, we put in difficulty especially as a strong servant, but in the second set, we responded very well, I am very happy. »
Lyneel and Bassereau will continue on Friday against the Australians Craccher-Nicolaidis, from the qualifications (12 p.m.), then against the world number 3, the Dutch Brouwer-Meeuwsen (9 p.m.).
Regrets for Krou – Gauthier-Rat
Earlier in the day, Youssef Krou and Arnaud Gauthier-Rat, who came out of the two qualifying rounds on Wednesday, also conceded a frustrating defeat against the Qatari Cherif-Ahmed, 8th in the world. Winners of the first set, they ended up losing to the advantages in the tie break (23-21, 21-23, 16-18).
On Friday, they will face the Dutch Luini-Penninga (n°16, at 10 a.m.), then the Italians Nicolai-Cottafaga (n°7).
Cold shower for Richard and Placette
A first day to forget, however, for Alexia Richard and Lezana Placette, the only female pair entered in the main draw, beaten 21-15, 21-6 by the Swiss Hüberli-Brunner, 5th in the world. “These are girls we have already joined, leading 8-6 in the tie-break a few months ago at the Worlds, remembers Alexia Richard. The conditions were not met today (Lezana Placette, victim of a cold snap, is sick), but on a known keeping attitude, it is important. We have the pressure in front of the French public at the beginning, of course, but that boosts me, and to see that people still encourage us so much, despite the score, warms my heart. »
If Placette is able to play, the duo will meet the Swiss Böbner-Z on Friday. Vergé-Dépré (11 a.m.), then the Italian Menegatti-Gottardi (8 p.m.).