In December 2020, Tennis News met for the first time Leolia Jeanjean. After serious injuries when young and then studies at the USA, the former quarter-finalist of Les Petits As wanted to fully launch her career with the big boys. On Monday, 14 months later, she will be around 332nd place in the world. A phenomenal rise that proves the talent of the player. $25,000 Finalist Porto last week, Léolia still dominated in the quarterfinals Laura Siegemund, former 30th world. Over-motivated, the Frenchie has a very clear objective: to enter the Grand Slam qualifying cut during the clay court to play Roland-Garros. If she does not succeed, the FFT could most certainly grant her a qualifying wild card in the event of good performances in March and then April. Enough to give him a lot of energy before launching his season on clay, his favorite surface.
Léolia Jeanjean at the microphone of Tennis Actu
“Porto, I was not in full confidence. It feels really good”
Léolia, an invitation to Porto last week, and at the end a first final in $25,000 with a victory against Laura Siegemund in the quarter. What a week !
Yes what a week! Totally unexpected. I didn’t have to stay in Porto so I was lucky to have an invitation. I took the opportunity so it’s very nice.
Unexpected because you needed a wild card but, on the court, did you feel that you could shine?
I felt good. The conditions were great. I wanted to stay. I spoke to the tournament director and the referee about it. I felt that I was playing well, I stayed on the feelings of the week before.
How did you feel beating 30-year-old Laura Siegemunde world?
Very pleasure without inflaming me. The match was not even hung, it was a very solid and full match. It motivates me. I tell myself that when everything falls into place, I can play well. I didn’t have a very good period at the end of 2021, I started in Monastir with an entry defeat. I was not completely confident. It feels really good.
“For Roland-Garros, the objective is to qualify without a wild card”
Barely 13 months ago, you were beyond the 1000e global place. From now on, at 26, you will be next Monday around the 330e square. What an ascent!
That’s pretty crazy, I didn’t expect that. I tell myself that with training and seriousness, I am on the right road.
Was it faster than you imagined?
Yes much faster. I was aiming for the Top 500 last year. I was 380 in the summer. I know I can do it but doing it is different. Very happy.
Inevitably, we think of Roland-Garros. Last year, you told us in Le Havre that the qualifying wild card was a dream for 2021 and a goal for 2022? You stick to your plans.
Yes yes… It was impossible in 2021. 2022 is a goal that is approaching. I hope to achieve it. It’s something in the head. The clay court season is coming so I’m happy. I will continue not to think about it too much so as not to stress myself out, but I believe in it.
Will the programming be ambitious?
Yeah, I’ll do $25,000 when I can’t get any stronger. To play Roland, you have to beat $60,000 and $100,000 girls, so the sooner the better.
The qualifying cut, do you dream of it?
It’s a goal. If I have to reach it with $25,000 and $60,000, I will do what it takes. I’m actually counting on the wildcard a bit if I can’t make the cut. The objective is to qualify without a wildcard so as not to have any surprises and be sure to play Roland. We never know. With a few years less, I would have it. There, I am no longer very young. I want to move up the rankings to be as close as possible. If I’m 250, 270, I can have it.
What will be the program to get points?
It’s still blurry. I asked for a wild-card in Lyon next week otherwise I will play the $25,000 Joué les Tours. Then on land, either in Turkey or in Colombia. I will try to do the big tournaments.
The meeting with Léolia Jeanjean in December 2020
“The Top 200 is an ambitious goal. Playing Roland, Wimbledon, the US Open, I want to”
More broadly, is qualifying for the Grand Slam the objective of the season?
Yes yes, the Top 200 is an ambitious goal. Playing Roland, Wimbledon, the US Open, I want to. As I told you in all the interviews, I’m hanging on, I’m doing my best and I hope it will continue like this.
More than a year after your return to business, the motivation is still there, is everything okay?
Yes, I am even more motivated. It’s a life I love. I’m really starting the circuit so I can’t be tired or bored. I like what I do.
At 26, are you completely fulfilled now?
Yes Yes. I’m happy to do this. It’s going well, it’s great.
Hoping you can play Roland…
I think yes! Not to say much… but I think about it. It would be a dream come true.
Does it seem to boost you?
It drives me crazy. I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s close to my heart, I relate to it. I play tennis to play the biggest tournaments one day.
