A Rising Star on the Court: Léolia Jeanjean’s Porto Triumph
Léolia Jeanjean, a 26-year-old tennis player representing Stade Toulousain, recently showcased her talent at two ITF tournaments in Porto, Portugal. Initially aiming for a modest two or three wins too boost her confidence, Jeanjean exceeded expectations, securing an notable eight victories out of eleven matches.
This impressive performance propelled her to a new career-high ranking of 355th, a testament to her dedication and skill. Jeanjean, who already boasts one ITF singles title (won last May) and two doubles titles (2013 and 2019), initially planned to compete in a Turkish event. However, she opted to stay in porto, hoping for a wildcard entry into the main draw.
“I was pleasantly surprised to receive the invitation,” Jeanjean admitted.
Her Porto journey saw her reach the quarterfinals in singles and the doubles final alongside compatriot Audrey Albie during the first week. The following week, she faced a formidable opponent in the final, Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima (ranked 343rd), ultimately losing 6-3, 6-1.
Despite the final result, Jeanjean remained positive, highlighting her consistent performance and strong serve throughout the tournament. She acknowledged a minor thigh injury but emphasized her mental fortitude, particularly citing a grueling three-set victory in the second round.
“While the score in the final might not reflect the entire match, my opponent played exceptionally well,” Jeanjean reflected. “Nevertheless, I felt confident throughout the tournament, especially considering it was my first final at a $25,000 event.”
looking ahead, Jeanjean has her sights set on the WTA tournament in Lyon, requesting a wildcard entry for the qualifying rounds starting this weekend. Though, her ultimate goal is to secure a spot in the Roland-Garros qualifying rounds solely based on her ranking, a feat she hopes to achieve without relying on invitations.
As a clay court specialist, Jeanjean is eager to return to her preferred surface, having last competed on it in September. Her recent success in Porto suggests she is well on her way to achieving her ambitious goals.
From Porto to Paris: A Chat with Léolia Jeanjean
Léolia Jeanjean is a name tennis fans should get to know. This week, the 26-year-old Frenchwoman made waves on the ITF circuit, reaching the final of a $25,000 tournament in Porto after initially aiming for a more modest target. I sat down with Léolia to discuss her recent success, her ambitions for the future, and her journey as a clay-court specialist.
Welcome, Léolia! Congratulations on your amazing run in Porto.Eight wins out of eleven matches is fantastic! You mentioned you were hoping for just two or three wins. What clicked for you this time around?
“Merci! It was a whirlwind week. Honestly, going into Porto, my confidence wasn’t at its peak. I was coming straight off a disappointing tournament in Turkey and almost pulled out altogether. But something just felt different in Porto. Every match,I felt more confident,my serve was firing,and I was just enjoying being on the court.”
reaching your first final at a $25,000 event is a huge accomplishment.How did it feel to be in that position, especially against a tough opponent like Moyuka Uchijima?
“It was exhilarating and nerve-wracking all at the same time. Moyuka played brilliantly, and the scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story. I fought hard, but she was just too strong on the day.Still, reaching the final was a huge step forward for me, and it gave me a taste of what I’m capable of.”
You mentioned your serve was working well. serve is such a crucial weapon in tennis. Is that something you’ve been particularly focusing on in your training?
“Absolutely. My serve has been a bit inconsistent in the past, but recently, I’ve been working closely with my coach on improving its consistency and adding more power. It’s becoming a real asset for me.”
Looking ahead, you have your sights set on the WTA tournament in Lyon and ultimately, qualifying for Roland Garros. Are you planning any changes to your training regime to prepare for these challenges?
“Lyon and Roland Garros are my dream tournaments. I’m requesting a wildcard for Lyon this weekend, but ideally, I want to qualify for Roland Garros based purely on my ranking. To achieve that, I’ll be intensifying my training, focusing on building my strength and endurance for the demanding clay court season. clay is my favorite surface, so I’m excited to get back on it and see what I can achieve.”
what message would you give to aspiring tennis players who might potentially be reading this?
“Never give up on your dreams. There will be ups and downs, but it’s meaningful to stay focused, work hard, and believe in yourself. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. Tennis is a gorgeous sport, and even when things get tough, remember to savor the moments on the court.”
Léolia Jeanjean’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion. Can she break into the top 100 and grace the court at Roland Garros? Time will tell, but one thing is without a doubt: this rising star is definitely one to watch.
What do you think about Léolia’s chances going forward? Do you have any advice for budding tennis players? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
