Euro Final 8, Belgian joy. Coach Deschamps: “Wyckaert is an example, now we must keep growing”

A silent but unstoppable rise for a team that has become the surprise of the FIP Euro Padel Cup 2025. The Belgian women’s team celebrates a historic qualification for Friday’s semifinals after their decisive win against the Netherlands, completing their amazing run after yesterday’s victory over Portugal, one of the tournament’s top teams. Analyzing the evolution of a team now among the “magnificent four” of Europe is Thomas Deschamps, 29 years old, the young coach of the Red Flames, who had already led Belgium to fourth place at the 2022 World Championships in Dubai. “Yesterday’s win against Portugal was extraordinary, but we also had to win today, so we didn’t celebrate much. Today was again a day of total focus,the girls played fantastic, they never gave up a single point and gave everything. I’m proud of how they handled the situation. Being among the top four is incredible for padel in Belgium.”

Deschamps praised one of the team’s key figures, a leader and inspiration for an entire movement: “We’ve had a great example in Helena Wyckaert. She was the first to move to Madrid to play professionally. For three or four years she was among the world’s top 100. She inspired the younger players, showing that it’s possible to compete with the best. That has been fundamental because the new generation looks up to her and to the more experienced players.”

Among them is Noemi Sermant, 22, a regular on the CUPRA FIP Tour, who debuted last September on the Premier Padel circuit in the P2 in Germany. Also Michelle Van Mol, 23, and Justine Pysson, 25, who won the FIP Bronze of Foggia earlier in October. “This year she has shown a very high level and has grown a lot. She’s really making great progress. Overall, we’ve found a good balance between young rising players and experienced ones,” continued Deschamps, also referring to An-Sophie Mestach. The former No. 64 in the WTA ranking played alongside Wyckaert, forming a decisive pair for Belgium’s success.

Now, the focus is on tomorrow’s semifinal against France: “It’s a great opportunity to play against such a strong team and top-level players,” said Deschamps. “Whatever the result, we must keep building and continue the path we started. We’re encouraging more and more players — also thanks to the work with the Federation — to compete internationally. Belgian athletes are increasingly present in international tournaments. We have to keep going; this semifinal can be another motivation for them.