Stéphane Houdet created a memorable scene at Roland-Garros as he brought his youngest child, Gabriel, onto the court in an extraordinary atmosphere. Gabriel, just nine months old, even took a turn in the wheelchair on global television. Following his victory over Japanese player Takashi Sanada (6-2, 7-5), Houdet celebrated with a lively hip swing to a France Gall song, a nod to Yannick Noah, the captain of the French team. On Tuesday, Houdet, the last French player left in the singles competition, will team up with Frédéric Cattaneo in doubles before facing world No. 3 Martin de la Puente on Wednesday. Houdet took time to discuss the Games, his connection with Yannick Noah, and his ongoing battles.
How did you experience the success at Roland-Garros?
“Playing on such a grand stage with this amazing crowd was a real pleasure. It felt magical. Beating my friend Sanada, with whom I won doubles in New York, was filled with respect. I half-wondered if he might have thought, ‘I can’t beat Stéphane’—or at least I hoped so!”
What are your ambitions moving forward?
“My focus now is to perform well in my next match and try to overcome the world No. 3. I’ve beaten him before, though the last two encounters were not at my best.”
Can you tell us about your relationship with Yannick Noah?
“In terms of sport, Yannick Noah provided me with direction. We adhere to his belief that to become Olympic champions, we must forge our path rather than follow the conventional approach. He guides us to adopt a different style of play, and his advice often includes reminders to stay active and engaged.”
Did he become captain of the French team because of you?
“Yes, I initially considered having him on board for Tokyo 2021, but his concert schedule conflicted. Growing up with him, witnessing his success, and being inspired by his lyrics, I saw in him someone who could elevate our sport. Inclusion means playing together, and our sport, which involves sitting in a wheelchair, aims to be the first Paralympic sport considered for the Olympics. It’s a cause worth championing.”
What do you find remarkable about him?
“Noah brings more than his flamboyant public persona. Behind the scenes, he is a serious and disciplined guide. His commitment to our training is unparalleled, and while we admire his music, he maintains a focus on our goals. He is truly magical, blending his roles seamlessly.”
Do you feel pressure as the last French player in singles?
“No, I convert that pressure into focus. Increased attention makes me more attentive to my performance. The end of today’s match was extraordinary, and we should cherish these moments. Looking ahead, we aim to leave a lasting impact, potentially by securing dedicated spaces for wheelchair tennis and creating accessible ticket options.”
Are you feeling the effects of aging?
(He looks at his prosthetic leg) “At 53, I’m not immune to aging. However, this sport has a lower energy expenditure, and I avoid excessive cardiovascular strain. After matches, I can rest my upper body by using my prosthesis.”
What is your involvement with wheelchair evolution?
“I’ve always been invested in improving wheelchairs. My background includes a mix of tennis and research. My experiences, including developing a special prosthesis and working on innovations, have led me to projects aimed at creating the lightest wheelchair and ensuring these advancements benefit everyone. I also advocate for emergency vet services, recognizing the importance of immediate care.”
Overall, Houdet’s journey reflects a blend of personal triumphs and broader contributions to both his sport and community.