Good morning!
Here we are at the opening day of Skechers Pickleball Paris Open 2025 – the tournament that is back bigger, better and more star-studded than ever!
The RTA tour is debuting on the Tournated platform, which gives us viewers an easy overview of the action taking place and the results happening over the next few days: Skechers Pickleball Paris Open 2025 | FFT K250 | RTA 500 | RTA Pickleball Tour
Dans la ville lumière, these are the players I think will shine the brightest!
Men’s Singles – Friday, May 23 (starting at 1pm)
Final prediction:
James Chaudry 
vs. Ignasi De Rueda 
When facing Ignasi in the opening RTA tournament of the year (NYP On Tour at Malmö Pickleball Center) I remember thinking to myself: “This guy must be really good in singles!” because at times that was essentially what he was playing, although the format then was mixed… The balance and coordination to always be on his toes, change direction in an instant and chase down impossible balls makes it really hard to win points against him. The court coverage is basically on US level and it will take someone like James with an array of weapons on both the forehand and backhand sides to be able to put the ball away. The question is, will it be enough?
Keep an eye on:
Alberto Seccia 
& Yuri Syromolotov
I think Paris has a good shot of us seeing a male Italian player break through and make a deep run in RTA singles and I think it will be one of these guys. Alberto racking up strong performances in Italy recently and Yuri making a lot of heads turn at practice in Spain.
Women’s Singles – Friday, May 23 (starting at 1pm)
Final prediction:
Thaddea Lock vs. Karolina Owczarek 
While Thaddea has been on top of the podium at lots and lots of different nice locations around the world throughout her long pickleball career, as a former tennis player, I am sure she is bent on adding Paris to that list. On the other side of the net in the finals, I think she will face one of last year’s fastest rising stars in Karolina. When they met in Malmö in March, Thaddea won in convincing fashion so Karolina will know what she’s up against!
Keep an eye on:
The quartet of French players
Adeline Nguyen 
Anaelle Guimbretiere Anaïs Geslin Elodie Busson .
France has a long RTA-history of lots of great players on the men’s side. In 2025 they have been joined by Adeline and in Paris she will be joined by three other very interesting players. Chances are high at least one of them will get her international breakthrough in this tournament!
Men’s Doubles – Saturday, May 24 (starting at 9am)
Final prediction:
James Chaudry Pep Canyadell
vs.
Ignasi De Rueda Mauro García
Ignasi and Pep have started the RTA-year very strong together, but in Paris they are split up – each teamed up with a RTA-veteran. While I think both constellations have strong odds at making the finals, the likely scenario there will be a chess match of which veteran can be the bigger court presence and take over the court, and which “rookie” will make the least mistakes – unless the rookies take over in the middle and start balling. Not an all unlikely scenario!
Keep an eye on:
Julien Platel Théo Platel
The brothers, back together, in front of the home crowds will be quite something. Just imagine what some home crowd noise could do for these two animated players. Back in French Open 2022 the crowds carried them to some amazing performances against US Pro’s flying to catch some riviera sun – and play some pickleball on the side. Don’t underestimate the power of the home crowd!
Women’s Doubles – Saturday, May 24 (starting at 9am)
Final prediction:
María Fernandez Costantino Thaddea Lock
vs.
Marta Zając Mollie Knaggs
The long-awaited return of María will be a must-watch and paired with Thaddea I think we will get plenty of opportunities to do just that. In the final match I see them facing power duo Mollie and Marta in a game that will be decided by the pace of it. Will it be settled in the kitchen, with dinks, or from the mid court, with powerful drives?
Keep an eye on:
Meity Huomo 
Patricia Castrillo Zamora
Veteran RTA player Patricia also making some sort of comeback and paired up with Mei, will be very fun to see!
Mixed Doubles Sunday – May 25 (starting at 9am)
Final prediction:
Hermione Baxter Chinery James Chaudry
vs.
Mollie Knaggs Théo Platel
Winning last year with Louis Laville – Hermione is back to repeat, with some serious prep beforehand. With James by her side – who can stop them? Well, Théo has had an amazing spring so far and teaming up with former partner Mollie will form a very dangerous team!
Keep an eye on:
Ekin Leyl Ozen 
Mustafa Enes Debik
This is a fun couple to watch, and pay particular attention to Ekin who will hit more than a few winners from mid court with her powerful twoey backhand volley!