In a move that’s set to transform the landscape of disability sports in France, tennis legend Yannick Noah has been handed the reins of the country’s para tennis program. The French tennis federation announced on Thursday that the former world No. 3 and 1983 French Open champion will take charge starting in 2025, coordinating activities across wheelchair, visually impaired, and deaf and hard-of-hearing tennis.
Noah’s appointment comes on the heels of his successful stint as the captain of France’s men’s wheelchair tennis team at the Paris Paralympic Games over the summer. The experience, it seems, left an indelible mark on the 63-year-old, who expressed his delight at the opportunity to continue working in the para tennis space.
I had an incredible human experience working alongside the players in the French wheelchair tennis team at the Paralympic Games in Paris and I didn’t want this great story to end there.
Yannick Noah
A New Chapter in a Storied Career
For Noah, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in a career that has seen him scale the heights of professional tennis, both as a player and a coach. The charismatic Frenchman, who remains the last male player from France to win a Grand Slam singles title, reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in 1986 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005.
After hanging up his racket, Noah transitioned into coaching, leading France to Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup glory as the captain of the men’s and women’s national teams respectively. Now, he’s set to bring his wealth of experience and infectious enthusiasm to bear on France’s para tennis setup.
Structuring the Future of French Para Tennis
As per the French tennis federation, Noah’s primary responsibility will be to continue structuring the para tennis department by steering the training and ‘high level’ strategy while supporting the development of all para tennis activities across the country.
This is no mean feat, considering the diverse range of disabilities that fall under the para tennis umbrella. From wheelchair tennis, which has gained significant visibility in recent years thanks to the exploits of stars like Shingo Kunieda and Diede de Groot, to the lesser-known but equally competitive realms of visually impaired and deaf tennis, Noah will have his work cut out for him.
Building on Paris 2024 Momentum
Noah’s appointment comes at a time when disability sports in France are riding the wave of increased awareness and interest generated by the Paris Paralympic Games. The event, which saw France finish fourth on the medals table with a haul of 54 medals, including 15 golds, has shone a spotlight on the country’s para athletes like never before.
In tennis, France’s wheelchair players put up a strong showing, with the men’s team narrowly missing out on a bronze medal after losing to Great Britain in the playoff. Under Noah’s tutelage, they’ll be hoping to go a step further at the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028.
A Mission Close to His Heart
For Noah, the decision to take up this new role was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in a space that he’s come to hold dear. Speaking about his appointment, he described the mission as one that is “particularly close to my heart.”
It’s a sentiment that’s sure to resonate with the hundreds of para tennis players across France who will now have a bona fide tennis icon in their corner, championing their cause and working to create an environment that nurtures their talent and ambition.
The Road Ahead
As Noah gears up to take on this new challenge, he’ll be acutely aware of the scale of the task at hand. Developing a robust and sustainable para tennis ecosystem, one that provides equal opportunities for players of all disabilities to thrive, is no small undertaking.
But if anyone is equipped to take on this challenge, it’s Yannick Noah. With his infectious energy, deep knowledge of the game, and proven track record of leading teams to success, he has all the tools to steer French para tennis to new heights.
As the tennis world watches with bated breath, one thing is for certain: with Noah at the helm, the future of French para tennis looks brighter than ever. And for the hundreds of players across the country who have long dreamed of making their mark on the world stage, that future can’t come soon enough.
