A Rising Star shines at Saint-Nolff
Seventeen-year-old Jeanne Leroux delivered a stunning performance at the Saint-Nolff tournament, securing the singles title in a display of remarkable skill and resilience.
Leroux’s journey began with a stroke of luck as Zoé martin-Mouchain’s unexpected withdrawal granted her an easier path through the initial rounds. Capitalizing on this opportunity, she advanced smoothly to the semi-finals. There, she faced the formidable Camille Allaire, ranked fourth in the tournament. Undeterred, leroux dominated the match, winning convincingly with scores of 21-18 and 21-16.
The final pitted Leroux against the third-seeded Coleen Doger. This match proved to be a nail-biter, with Leroux narrowly edging out doger in a thrilling two-set encounter. The first set saw Leroux build a pleasant lead, only to be pegged back to 16-16. Demonstrating composure under pressure, she regained control to clinch the set. The second set was equally intense, remaining deadlocked until 15-15 before Leroux ultimately prevailed, securing the championship with a 22-20, 21-17 victory.”It’s been a while as I’ve won a tournament of this caliber,” Leroux remarked, reflecting on her triumph. “I was leading 16-10 in the first set, but Doger fought back to tie it at 16-16. The pressure was on, but I managed to stay focused and close it out. The second set was a real battle,but I finished stronger.”
Leroux’s victory was notably notable considering her seeding. As the fifth seed in a field of twelve, she wasn’t considered a favorite.”I usually reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals at most,” she admitted. “This is my biggest win yet, a real breakthrough. It’s a fantastic way to start 2025 and will boost my ranking significantly.”
Leroux’s success extended beyond the singles competition. She also reached the semi-finals in the women’s doubles alongside her partner,Georgia Stierle Davies.
Aiming for National Glory
Training under the guidance of Thibault Menez at Kervignac, Leroux is in her final year as a junior player and has set her sights on making a mark on the national stage.
Her primary goal for the year is to qualify for the French Championships, scheduled for the Ascension weekend. While top-ranked players receive direct entry, leroux will need to navigate the qualifying rounds.
“I don’t have many tournaments planned,” she explained. “My focus is on the French Championships. I want to experience the atmosphere of the main draw and compete against the best players in the country.”
Leroux’s ambition extends beyond the court. She plans to pursue a degree in Sports Science (Staps) in the fall, demonstrating her commitment to both her athletic and academic pursuits.
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