Valentin Maurel, a 10-year-old tennis player from Muret, beat a player ranked 15/4 in the 17/18 age category by a score of 6-0, 6-1 at the Montberon tournament, La Dépêche du Midi reported.
The victory came in a 17/18-category match, meaning Maurel competed against teenagers several years older than himself. The win extends a strong start to the season for the young player, who trains full-time at the CFE (Centre de formation et d’entraînement), where he has found what the report describes as supportive and professional coaching.
Maurel Climbs from 15/5 to 15/4
The Montberon result follows measurable progress in the French ranking system. Maurel was ranked 15/5 in September and now stands at 15/4, a jump the report attributes to his commitment and willingness to keep learning. Despite his age, he is described as competing calmly among significantly older players and has begun entering his first adult tournaments.
Ties to Muret Club Remain Strong
Maurel remains licensed at the Muret club, and the report notes he keeps in touch with his former partners and coaches, returning when he can to share a lesson with them. That connection to his home club sits alongside his daily routine at the training center.
Final Against 15/3-Ranked Opponent Next at Montberon
Maurel’s next match is the final of the Montberon 17/18 tournament, where he will face an opponent ranked 15/3 — a higher-ranked player than the one he just defeated. The final offers another chance to continue his development against older competition.
Worth a look
