Julien Cordeau began his pre-university year in the tennis program at a university in Alabama. The young Chamblyen wants to rise to professionalism.
Julien Cordeau’s course is original in a region where tennis facilities are rather rare to allow the high level. “It started when I was nine years old,” recalls the Chamblyen who has recently become an adult. I was watching tennis on television and there was a opportunity in day camp. I did that for two years and then I signed up for the 40-0 league at Parc des Patriotes. The more I played, the more I wanted to improve and I wanted to play in better conditions. »
Racket in hand, he decided, at the same time, to stop playing ice hockey. “I had been doing it since I was three years old. But I had to give up, because I arrived in a category where the body checking was starting. An injury could have impact my career in tennis or hockey. So I made my choice and, at eleven years old, I went to play in a club in Mont-Saint-Hilaire. »
Kilometers
The young teenager arrives at secondary school and his choice naturally falls on Mont-Saint-Hilaire.
“Unfortunately, the tennis program refused me at first, judging that I did not have the level. A few weeks before the start of the school year, I finally joined the structure, which ended up closing following the resignation of the coach. So I stay in this school in the morning, then I go to train in Drummondville in the afternoon. »
To develop and live his passion, the Chamblyen accumulates miles with his parents. “We were told we were a bit crazy to do this, but I’m not disappointed because it pays off, in the end. I would also like to thank my parents, who accompanied me, because it is true that tennis in Quebec is only found in big cities. Finally, I stayed in Drummondville throughout high school. »
During these years, Julien Cordeau perfected himself to the point of setting ambitions. “I met my trainer, Yann Lefebvre, one of the best coachs that I’ve ever had. We had a great relationship and I was able to develop. »
To the point that American colleges have asked him to join them for the start of the 2024 school year. “I went through an agency and had several offers,” he emphasizes. I opted for Coastal Alabama-South Coyote tennis and I don’t regret my choice. I was a little afraid of communication because of my level of English, but everything was done quite easily. It’s another approach to tennis where everything is done as a team. We play to help the team win. We encourage our teammates, who encourage us in return. We don’t feel alone. »
Stay near the tennis
After having participated in two Canadian championships and having climbed to around thirtieth place in the under-18s in Quebec, the Chamblyen claims to have noticed a change since he left for the United States. “There, they consider that the technique is acquired. We mainly work on physics and tactics. I came home after three months of school and my family noticed my increased muscle mass. »
The progress of his season since September allows him to set short-term objectives before embarking on a career in health linked to tennis. “When I got to Alabama, I was the sophomore on the team. Today I climbed into first position. This allows you to face the first of the other teams during matches between schools. Then I want to reach the first division during my university years. Finally, why not, I would like to get a taste of the professional world for a year. But it’s very complicated, only the top 300 players in the world can make a living from tennis. »
Julien Cordeau has already played junior international tournaments in Canada. “I played in Halifax and Fredericton, reaching the quarter-finals through qualifying. This allowed me to score 11.75 points and be ranked 2,152e player in the world. It requires quite a bit of sacrifice, because you have to pay for travel, food and hotels, but I’m proud of that because I get something back from it. »
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Julien Cordeau hopes to experience a professional season to achieve what the highest level is. (Photo: Courtesy). .
