Ksénia Chasteau holds the future in her hands

She became a household name last year after emphatically winning the first edition of the junior wheelchair tournament against the USA's Maylee Phelps. It was a very successful year for the French player, who was also crowned champion of France – this time in the main draw – and reached the last 16 in the Paris Paralympics, challenging world No. 2 and eventual gold medallist, Yui Kamiji, over a set, all while passing her baccalaureate with flying colours.

Now aged 19, Ksénia, who learned her trade at Tennis Club La Fourragère ASPTT and has risen to world No.11, is focused on succeeding on the main tour. “The juniors are behind me now. I’m fully focused on ITF tournaments and I hope to compete in the next three Grand Slams, as I had to miss the Australian Open because of an operation that will allow me to walk properly with a prosthetic, because I was always a bit wonky (smiles).” The young woman aims to do well in the early rounds and reach the quarters or semi-finals [the draws in major tournaments comprise 16 participants].

“It’s achievable, I know how well most of the Top 10 play, and I’ve always been able to hold my own against them. I hope to use that knowledge to improve my game,” explained Chasteau, who is once again working with Gabriel Tassaro, who used to coach her in her early days.

Chasteau has a good head on her shoulders and has identified a number of areas for improvement, especially after the match she lost to Kamiji at the Paralympics. “I need to work on my mental strength, continue to trust in my strategy, even when I’m behind, and the second set showed I need to up my endurance, physically and mentally and better manage my frustration.” She is also aware she really needs to work on getting into points. “I need to up my first serve percentage and improve my returns, as a match can be over in just a few shots.”

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