The Yonex Swiss Open is the most prestigious tournament held in Switzerland. Since I was 12 years old, I have been going there every year, dreaming of one day participating. This year, for the first time, I have the opportunity to compete against the world’s best players at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel.

In mixed doubles, alongside Aline Mueller, I will be playing on Tuesday 2 March against Jansen/Ostermeyer (GER), ranked 48th in the world.

On Wednesday 3 March, I will be playing men’s doubles with Minh Quang Pham against Phuangphuapet/Viriyangkura (THA), ranked 83rd in the world.

The aim of this tournament is to play at our best by applying what we have been practising in training recently.

To finalise our preparation, we have worked hard on footwork on the court and racket speed. From a physical point of view, the emphasis has been more on explosiveness (video).

This tournament is taking place under very strict health conditions: two negative COVID tests, no leaving the room except to go to the hall, and a quarantine period of around 24 hours while waiting for the test results. Other measures are being taken in the competition hall, with a ‘green’ zone where only people who have tested negative are allowed. These measures may affect our preparation a little over the next two days, but the situation is the same for all participants. However, everyone’s safety is paramount and we are fortunate that this type of competition is taking place, as the aim is not for these tournaments to become hotbeds of infection.

I was fortunate enough to be covered by several media outlets, including RTS Sport and La Télé. You will be able to see these reports in the coming days. They perfectly illustrate what playing in the Swiss Open means to me.

Thank you very much for your support.

Yann Orteu