P1000 Casa Padel DOS: Gortzounian/Deknuydt win final
The P1000 Casa Padel DOS final in Asnières-sur-Seine delivered everything expected from a top-level closing match: pace, mental resilience, and several stretches where momentum flipped within just a few rallies. In the end, top seeds Charles Gortzounian and Eliot Deknuydt defeated Jules Marie and Julien Motz 6/3, 6/7, 6/3. The scoreline looks straightforward at first glance, but it hides how tight the contest really was for long periods.
A structured start from the favorites
From the opening service games, it was clear Gortzounian and Deknuydt were executing their plan cleanly. They kept rallies compact, played the first volley early, and denied their opponents time during the transition from baseline play to the net. Eliot Deknuydt, lined up on the right side this time, delivered a remarkably controlled performance. His volleys stayed low, his overheads were precise, and even in defensive phases he never looked rushed.
Charles Gortzounian complemented that profile with calm game management. In tight points he avoided forcing quick winners, instead constructing rallies patiently until an open lane appeared. That blend of stability and decisive finishing gave the pair the edge in the first set. On the other side, Jules Marie was often targeted as the primary channel, which limited Motz's ability to impose his net game consistently.
Set one: efficiency over risk
- Early control of service games by the top-seeded team.
- High success rate on first volleys and clear advantage in transition phases.
- Consistent use of open spaces through the middle corridor.
At 6/3, the first set logically went to Gortzounian and Deknuydt. The key was not one spectacular shot, but sustained quality in standard situations. Finals are often decided exactly there.
The turning point in set two
The second set initially followed the same script. Gortzounian and Deknuydt stayed on top and reached 5/3 with chances to close the match. They failed to convert two break chances that would also have been match points. That sequence acted as a catalyst for their opponents.
Julien Motz then raised his net intensity significantly. He anticipated better, attacked the gaps more aggressively, and won several direct body duels. Jules Marie also found rhythm again, returning with greater intent and taking balls earlier. Within minutes, the pattern changed from managed control to an open firefight with a strong psychological layer.
Tie-break and momentum shift
In the second-set tie-break, energy was visibly on Marie and Motz's side. They finished long points with more conviction and forced the favorites into difficult half-volley positions. Their equalizer at one set all was therefore not accidental, but the logical outcome of a gradual shift in body language and point ownership.
Third set: response under pressure
Many teams lose clarity after such a setback. Gortzounian and Deknuydt did the opposite. They lowered risk in the first games of the decider, stabilized the first ball after return, and recovered their original structure. Deknuydt, less visible at the end of set two, restored his usual precision in overhead exchanges. Gortzounian remained calm in decisive rallies and pulled longer points back into his preferred patterns.
The key break did not come from a lucky strike but from a sequence of well-built attacking points. After that, the favorites managed the lead with maturity without becoming passive. The 6/3 in the third set underlined their ability to quickly return to a functional competitive mode after emotionally difficult moments.
Performance profile of the four finalists
| Duo | Final strengths | Key phase |
|---|---|---|
| Gortzounian / Deknuydt | First-shot structure, stable defensive transitions, mental reset | Holding control in set three after pressure games |
| Marie / Motz | Net-game boost, more aggressive returns, stronger clutch points | Saving critical games at 3/5 in set two |
Tournament run and title value
The title matches the winners' overall run. In the quarterfinals they had already controlled the fifth seeds, and in the semifinal they beat surprise pair Iglicki and Boileau 6/4, 6/1 with authority. Winning a final that swung emotionally and tactically at high intensity adds further value to this trophy.
For Eliot Deknuydt, the result on the right side is especially notable, as that is not always his default position. The adjustment worked without any drop in quality; in dominant phases he set the tactical rhythm. For Charles Gortzounian, the event again confirmed his role as a reliable anchor under pressure. Together, they claim their first P1000 title as a pair while building strong momentum for future entries at top domestic level.
Despite the loss, Marie and Motz also leave with a strong signal. Their second-set response showed this pairing has the tools to push top teams into long, uncomfortable matches. The way they came back after saving those decisive points should become a key reference for their future development when finals tighten in the decisive moments.
