'We never gave up'

'We never gave up' – Doriane

Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert may have been the stars of the show for France in the Davis Cup, but for Doriane Esclassan, a 10-year-old tennis fan, the real heroes were the team's physios. In an emotional interview with the physio who helped her idol, Gael Monfils, Esclassan opened up about her own experiences with injury and the support of her family.

Esclassan was just 8 years old when she first started playing tennis, but a series of injuries forced her to take a break. Her parents, who were both avid tennis fans, did everything they could to support her, driving her to practices and matches, and even helping her with her rehabilitation. But Esclassan was determined to get back on the court, and with the help of her parents, she began to make a comeback.

Esclassan's story is a testament to the power of determination and the support of loved ones. As she said, 'We never gave up.'

A family affair

Esclassan's love of tennis was instilled in her by her parents, who were both players themselves. Her father, a keen doubles player, would often take her to watch matches and introduce her to the game. But it was her mother, a talented singles player, who really supported her daughter's passion for tennis.

'My mum was always there for me, even when I was injured,' Esclassan said. 'She would help me with my rehabilitation, and even drove me to practices and matches. She was my biggest fan.'

The power of physio

For Esclassan, the physios who helped her idol, Gael Monfils, were true heroes. She was in awe of their skills and dedication, and the way they worked tirelessly to help their players recover from injury.

'The physios are the real heroes,' Esclassan said. 'They work so hard to help their players, and it's not just about the physical side of things – it's also about the mental side. They help their players to stay positive and focused, even when things are tough.'

A message to the team

Esclassan's message to the French team was simple: 'Keep going, guys! You're doing a great job.'

'I know how hard it is to win the Davis Cup,' she said. 'But I also know how much it means to the players and the team. So keep going, and never give up.'

'We never gave up.'

A family's love of tennis

For Esclassan's family, tennis is more than just a hobby – it's a way of life. Her parents met through tennis, and her siblings are all keen players too. But it's not just about the game itself – it's about the sense of community and camaraderie that comes with it.

'Tennis has brought us closer together as a family,' Esclassan's mum said. 'We all support each other, and it's a great way to spend time together.'

Author's note:

Doriane Esclassan's story is a testament to the power of determination and the support of loved ones. Her story shows us that even in the face of adversity, we can overcome anything with the right mindset and support.

F1 Academy — 2025-11-23