Maxence Rolland: My dream is to be №1

Maxence is not only a talented player from Reunion island, but also is a part of beachtennis.io team. We talked with Max during the tournament in Martinique in the middle of April about the difference between juniors’ and mens’ tour as well as about his goals in beach tennis. Let’s see the voice of next generation.

You are here, in Martinique with a French team. Does your federation help you?


Some players in France really have some money from the federation, but I am here on my own. I decided to play this tournament after the ITF $15000 [+HOT] in Reunion where I’ve showed a very good result. My ranking climbed up, so I want to improve it even more.

Tell us about your victory against Irigaray-Guegano.


It was really cool. Before the match I told myself: If I win it is going to be very good, but if not, nothing bad will happen.
We did it and were very happy. I have played 3 times against them. And this was the first victory.

Did your career change after that?


My ranking changed from 150 to 70, so I could be seeded in Martinique. And that is why I came here, to Martinique. Also people of Reunion island were very happy that I won.

What are your next tournaments?
My next trip will be to Saint Petersburg ITF $35000 with Bailer. And before - tournaments on Reunion island (category 4). I will play with John Wolf. This year I can’t go to World Championship because of my exam. Also because of expenses I had to choose between Italy and Martinique.

Do you have chances to represent France on big tournaments?

If I make good results - maybe.

How the team is selected in France?
We have a French championship. And before it was decided tournament. But now it’s a captain decision by Jerome Malliot. So we do a lot of group practices in selected dates by captain. Also ITF results are very important.

What is your goal for this year?
I want to be in top-50 and participate in French championship, because I never done this before. To enter to the nationals I have to do a final in Reunion championship. Also I want to win a category 4 tournament.

Who is your partner?
I have a stable partner in Reunion Island - Romain Say (ITF 97). But for tournaments on road - I need to arrange.

What is the most important in your partner?
I’d like to play with a rush player, that goes to the net, has no pressure and good serve.

How do you train?
Before I practised with my coach Philippe Vadel, but now I have started to study at University. So I had to change the club during the week. Now I go to Pam beach with my partner. Trying to play 2 times a week. During the weekend I play all the days long at the Brisants. But still we speak a lot with Vadel.

How long you play beach tennis?
I started at 9 and played tennis and beach tennis. Only beach tennis - at 13 (now I am 18).

Tell us about your experience in junior world and European championships?
It was very cool. I did 3rd place in 2017 with Pol Fillela. It was a very good experience. We played against Italian guys. In European championship 2018 I have repeated 2017 result and got 3rd place as well (with Mateo Vidot, a very good player). The atmosphere there was great!

What is the difference between juniors' and mens’ beach tennis?
In juniors my physics were much stronger comparing to others. In men it is not like that.

Was it hard to change for mens’ tour?
When I was 14 and started to play mens’ tournaments, it was very difficult at the beginning because of the intensity. Now I am 18, so it is okey.


What is your goal?
 
I would like to be the professional, like Garavini or Cappelletti, traveling all the year, having coach to follow me. It is my dream.


*** Interview was taken in Martinique in April. Eventually Maxence in pair with John Wolff have won tournament in Reunion (ITF $3000).