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. This Monday, 14 months later, she is in 331st 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 are this next Monday 331e. 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 but I didn’t get it. 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.
