FLAVIEN COTON - with talent, continuity and mental strength to the world top

The close collaboration between DONIC and Flavien COTON began at the age of 12. An intensive partnership that was to bear fruit very quickly. At the age of 15, player Flavien Coton was already world champion in singles at school playing with DONIC material. A major title that made him one of Europe's top talents.

For the first time, his continuous development now extends beyond the boundaries of youth competitions. As a youth player, Flavien achieved important successes at various WTT tournaments for active players. At the WTT FEEDER in Chennai, he defeated 3 x top 30 players in the world rankings in a row and reached the semi-finals, catapulting him to 56th place in the world rankings - a remarkable ranking for a player who can still compete in U18 youth competitions for another year.

At the age of just 17, the young French DONIC player was crowned European U21 champion last weekend - an extraordinary milestone that demonstrates his great potential and at the same time confirms the strong upward trend he has been on for weeks. In many close matches, he repeatedly demonstrated his enormous strength of nerve by catching up in breathtaking fashion and keeping his cool in tight situations in particular and acting almost flawlessly. 

Flavien also shows continuity in his choice of club. The likeable Frenchman continues to play for his home club and DONIC partner CTT BRUILLE, with whom he achieved promotion to the first division last season, despite many offers from big clubs. Similar to his sporting idol Roger Federer, Flavien is an absolute family man who appreciates the warmth of his family and his familiar surroundings. All the better that Flavien's entire family is rooted in table tennis. His father is an active coach at CTT Bruille and his mother is the club's vice-president. Adrien, Flavien's older brother, is even an active CTT Bruille player. With so much passion for the sport, it's no wonder that Flavien ‘lives’ for table tennis and loves his sport more than anything. 

Backhand specialist Coton is also very meticulous when it comes to equipment. After many tests, he opted for the combination of DONIC Relevant blade and BLUESTAR A 1 rubbers. A combination that he says gives him the ideal mix of spin, speed and control for his close-to-the-table game.

How and where did you start table tennis?
With my family because my whole family plays table tennis at CTT Bruille. 

Which coaches did support and inspire you?
My parents. 

How many training sessions per week do you complete (Table Tennis, Fitness, others)?
Nine table tennis sessions per week plus three physics sessions per week. 

Your aims for this season or short- middle- and long-term?
This season, to go up to national 1 with my club, and champion of France minimes and to take part in the CEJ. Medium term: win the cadet EY. Long term: to win the Olympic Games.