Charpentier: CNE work starts to pay off
At the FIP Promises Paris by WME Sports, Augustine Charpentier returns to the courts of Lésigny – alongside her long-time partner Zia Debroy. The junior player from the Centre National d'Entraînement in Vichy talks about her late entry into padel, daily life at the CNE, the Junior European Championships in Portugal and her goals for the rest of the season.
From tennis to padel: a chance turning point
Charpentier only discovered padel in 2023. In Hauts-de-France, a substitute was needed for the U14 team at the French Championships. Although she mainly played tennis at the time and padel did not particularly attract her, she accepted. At that competition she loved the atmosphere around the sport so much that, once home, she suggested to Zia Debroy that they enter a few tournaments together. That is how their padel journey began.
Their bond goes far beyond the court. They have known each other since they were six. They started tennis in the same year, trained in the same group because of similar levels and later joined their club's competition pathway. They grew up together on court and even attended the same school. That closeness existed long before they switched to padel.
Joining the CNE in Vichy
A year ago both made the leap together into the national training centre in Vichy. First they were on an initial list of players from across France. A second, shorter list followed with a clear question of whether they were ready to take the step. The decision was not easy, because it meant leaving parents and everyday life behind. After seeing the facilities, they did not hesitate for long.
Leaving home at just fifteen felt manageable for Charpentier – mainly because Zia Debroy was with her. Alone, the transition would have been much harder. Their parents are missed, of course, but classes, padel training and physical preparation fill the calendar.
Daily life and training work at the CNE
A typical day starts with breakfast, followed by two to three hours of online classes via Acadomia. Then come padel training and physical preparation; on some days the order is simply swapped. Season planning links Vichy with the tournament calendar: as a rule the players contest two events per month. Coaches travel with them and coach on site.
Early in the season the focus was heavily on technique, especially defence. More recently tactics have moved to the fore. The first year at the CNE was about consolidating technical foundations. Charpentier still plays mostly with Zia Debroy, but has also paired with Lou Lambert Agosti. Next season the duo may rotate a little more often to discover other playing profiles.
Progress and Euro Juniors in Portugal
The pair already feel the impact of the CNE work clearly. After a quiet start to the season, they moved noticeably closer to France's best players on their return to competition. That progress has motivated them strongly; Charpentier speaks of a real step up in level.
At the Junior European Championships in Portugal, France began with a 3-0 win over Estonia. Against Sweden the U14s lost 6-3 6-4, but Charpentier and Debroy levelled the tie by winning 7-5 6-4. The decisive U18 doubles went to the Swedish side. Against Italy, Charpentier and Debroy fell 6-3 6-3; the U18s also lost, putting the semi-finals out of reach.
Instead of switching off, the squad fought for fifth place. France beat the Netherlands 3-0 and Belgium 2-1. The U14s contributed a point, Charpentier and Debroy won a tight match and secured fifth. What stays with Charpentier most is the team dimension: in France you play for your own pair, in international competition a whole squad stands behind you. The experience fuels the wish to one day contest the senior European Championships.
Role models, FIP Promises and season goals
Early in the season Charpentier barely followed the pro tour. Coaches asked her to watch more matches – especially those of Léa Godallier. With coach Juan the duo also analysed final videos on tactical choices and movement. She is particularly inspired by Delfi Brea, whose game she describes as very intelligent.
At FIP Promises Paris, U16 and U18 await at the same venue. Charpentier and Debroy do not want to favour one over the other and will give every match everything. A possible meeting with the U16 number one does not change their approach.
For the end of the season Charpentier sets clear targets. She currently sits 42nd in the French rankings and aims to break into the top 30 by year-end. In parallel, work with the CNE coaches on technique and tactics should continue. Most important is still enjoyment on court – it drives her day to day. The appearance in Lésigny shows how consistent CNE work and a well-matched partnership are shaping the path of a young French padel prospect.
