Debru is on the horizon

DAY

LONDON | Gabriel Debru has it all. At 16, he is ranked number one in the world among juniors. After winning the Roland-Garros Junior Open in June, the Frenchman is the favorite to win it all on the London turf.

On the pitch, he has things to improve like all players his age. On the other hand, his arsenal is complete. His serve is heavy, his movements are very fluid for a 6 ft 5 inch guy and his forehand is well seated. 

Le Journal had the opportunity to meet him after his first-round match. He is articulate and humble. Despite what is said about him, he does not see himself as a favorite at Wimbledon.

“We play on a totally different surface [than on the clay courts of Roland-Garros], explained Debru. The styles of play are different and there are a lot of good players. I'm like the others and I take the matches one at a time. »

Exchanges with Félix

Debru is Bernard's new client Duchesneau, who is also Félix Auger-Aliassime's agent. It was the Quebecer who discovered the Frenchman in Monaco. 

At that time, Debru had exchanged a few balls with the ninth racket in the world. Duchesneau liked what he saw. 

“It was very good, but I didn't win a lot of points against Félix,” Debru said with a laugh. It was fun and it gave me a lot of experience.

“I also had the chance to hit balls with Daniil Medvedev. At the French federation, I can train with players like Ugo Humbert. 

“It's very good to train with players who are superior to us. They show a bit of the path we need to have in the coming years. 

Afterwards, Duchesneau did his homework by talking to stakeholders in the community. After presenting a comprehensive plan to the athlete's parents, he managed to convince the Frenchman's clan.  

” It's always good to have an agent who knows the sport, underlined Debru. It allows me to progress at all levels in life. »

Ready for the pros

The native of Grenoble did not want confirm whether Wimbledon was going to be his last career junior tournament. It's not impossible that the Boris Vallejo protege will be in New York for the United States Junior Open. 

Listening to the principal concerned, the chances are slim. 

“We are ready to go to the pros, said Debru. I would like to participate in Futures or Challenger type tournaments. However, at the moment, all my concentration is on Wimbledon.