Saint Girons. Océane, 14, will tread the clay courts of Roland-Garros

There are many candidates and very few elected. For many, becoming a ball collector at Roland-Garros is a dream. To achieve this, you have to pass a real obstacle course. Océane Frendjian, 14, has overcome all the obstacles. With Samuel Dembrey (finally not selected during the last stage of selection), they were only two Ariégeois (es) to try their luck this year (the candidates had to be licensed and born between 2007 and 2010). “Tennis is her passion, explains Océane’s mother. Everyone plays tennis in the family. Océane had already tried her luck last year, there, it smiled on her.” To tread the prestigious clay courts of the Porte d’Auteuil, you have to overcome a large number of obstacles. The selection day organized in Balma is the first for Océane. Technical events (rolling, throwing, coordination), physical events (resistance, endurance, speed), everything is scrutinized by the technical managers. Océane gives her all.

7000 on the starting line throughout France

Despite the harshness of the task (1 selected out of 10), the young Ariège native passed the first stage brilliantly. The second step is even higher. Direction La Grande Motte for the “training course”. Four intense days. Make way for the more specific training of “ball pick-up”. Of the 400 young people present, only 250 will ultimately be selected. The slightest mistake can be fatal. Océane passed all the tests successfully. The good news falls, she will live her dream. “We wanted to offer her Roland-Garros but, there, she will be squarely on the ground.” His mother also has eyes that shine. Happy for her daughter. “I’m very happy, explains Océane timidly. It was my dream to go to Roland-Garros. There, as a ball collector, it’s even better.”

The next few weeks will be intense for the young Ariégeoise licensed at TC Saint-Girons (she is ranked 15/2).

On site from May 14 for the qualifications

She will be at Roland-Garros from May 14 for qualifying. The 250 collectors will be evaluated there throughout the week of competition. To, then, be distributed on the different grounds. Will Océane be on the Central? A fan of Ukrainian Svitolina, she dreams of working on one of her matches. Federer, his favorite player, probably not being there, it won’t be possible. Regardless, Océane will have only one desire: to have fun. “She’s going to be in immersion all the time. It’s going to be great.”

At the start, they were 7000 on the starting line. In a few days, there will only be 250 living their dream. Three weeks in another world. Océane dreamed of it. Roland-Garros is now a reality. Let her take advantage of it.