The Robert Abdesselam Trophy returns to France

The 10th edition of the Robert Abdesselam Trophy took place from 21-23 August and brought together four international teams — Spain, Belgium, Great Britain, and France — for a competition featuring one Women’s Doubles, one Men’s Doubles, and two Mixed Doubles per match.

The French team prepared with great professionalism, with some high-altitude training in the Vercors Mountains. There, the players enjoyed scenic hikes through historic forest trails, breathtaking views over Grenoble, and, most importantly, an intensive tennis camp led by their long-time coach, Bruno Delorme, at the Villard-de-Lans Tennis Club. Off the courts, the group took time to share meals and test their culinary skills, further strengthening team spirit and camaraderie.

On arrival in Avignon, the competitors faced stormy weather. The French delegation managed a short training session on the superb courts of TC Montolivet before heavy rain rendered the grounds unplayable. The club’s President, Jean-Pierre Azam, and his wife Gisèle extended a warm welcome to all participants, their passion and dedication keeping the Avignon club thriving.

Due to the weather, the opening matches were held indoors on a single court instead of the planned four outdoor ones. Consequently, the format was shortened to a single set of six games with a tie-break at 6-6. France started the tournament strongly, defeating Great Britain — a new permanent participant in this long-standing competition — by 4–0 in the morning session. Spain then overcame Belgium in the afternoon.

The following day saw the return of sunshine, allowing play to resume outdoors for the France–Belgium encounter. Despite gusty conditions, France prevailed 3–1. In the afternoon, players and guests enjoyed a guided cultural visit to the Chartreuse de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, a monastic complex renowned for its austere order and beautiful architecture.

The evening’s social programme featured a warm reception hosted by Odile de Roubin in her elegant family residence, where players gathered for an aperitif before the official dinner — a highlight of the event’s convivial atmosphere.

The final day brought the much-anticipated showdown between France and Spain. The French team were eager to reclaim the Robert Abdesselam Trophy, which had been in Spanish hands since the 2023 edition in Madrid.

The opening women’s doubles match proved challenging: Spain’s pair, Pauline Rodriguez (a former French player ranked no. 15) and Noelia Perez Penate (former WTA no. 121), showed their experience, while France’s Isabelle Billard-Delage sustained an early injury. Fortunately, the French men responded with a narrow win, leaving the teams level at one match apiece.

It was therefore down to the two mixed doubles to decide the title (and avoid a super tie-break in the event of two tied teams after all the matches). The French pairs — Chantal Grimal & Alain Moracchini, and MarieDo Larras & Nicolas Fourcade — made an excellent start, taking their first sets 6–1 and 6–0 respectively. Grimal and Moracchini secured their victory swiftly, while Larras and Fourcade were pushed into a deciding tie-break after their Spanish opponents, Noelia Perez Penate and Fernando Gomes de Segura, fought back to win the second set 6–4. The final tie-break was a thrilling affair, keeping spectators — including loyal French supporters Pascale and Christine — on edge. In the end, the French pair held their nerve to win 11–9, sealing overall victory for France.

The Robert Abdesselam Trophy thus returned to France, to the delight of players, organisers, and supporters alike — a fitting conclusion to three days of high-level tennis, sportsmanship, and international friendship.

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The Tennis Ball

On Saturday 10th November 2018 over 500 guests descended upon the London Hilton Park Lane, to help raise money for two of Britain’s leading tennis charities; Give It Your Max (GIYM) and the IC Philanthropic Programme (ICP).  

The ball was compered by leading Sky Sports presenter Marcus Buckland, with a key note speech by Sir Trevor Mcdonald, who is Patron of both charities.   Leading British comedian Dominic Holland entertained the guests and speed painter Dave Sharp painted two spectacular portraits of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic which were auctioned that evening and will be signed by both players.

Money was raised through a raffle, donations and auction items.  The live auction was a great success, skilfully directed by the entertaining and highly regarded auctioneer Charlie Ross.  

Tim Henman and Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow MP were amongst the many personalities present.  Guests danced into the early hours to The All Time All-Stars, 10 piece band. 

Tim Henman, former British Tennis No.1 and GIYM Patron said:
“The Tennis Ball is a wonderful event for two fantastic charities. I’ve worked closely with Give It Your Max and the work they do is really helping to enhance the life of so many children. The money raised from this year’s Tennis Ball will help them to grow their programme to even more areas across the UK.”

Honorary President of The Tennis Ball John Beddington said:

“The fifth Tennis Ball was the most successful we have held yet, raising much needed funds for GIYM and IC Philanthropy – much more than we could have ever expected. This money will go to these two very worthwhile charitable tennis initiatives, giving many children all over the world the opportunity to play tennis.”

The Tennis Ball was supported by Linklaters, Zoo Communications, Maui Jim and City AM.

For more information and to view the video from the night visit http://www.thetennisball.co.uk

Pictures from the night can be seen in the gallery below and by Clicking here