The French table tennis scene has been buzzing with excitement as Simon Gauzy, one of the sport’s most renowned players, is set to join GV Hennebont for the upcoming season. The announcement has been met with enthusiasm by both fans and the club’s management, marking a new chapter for the French powerhouse.
In an interview with Ouest-France, Boris Abraham, the manager of GV Hennebont, shared his excitement about the signing. He described Gauzy as the ideal player the club had been seeking for years. “We’ve wanted a French player for several years, someone with extensive experience and high quality. Simon is exactly that,” Abraham stated. “He has been in the world’s top 10 and has always been a standout performer, particularly during his 12 seasons in Germany, where he was consistently among the best players in the Bundesliga.”
The road to signing Gauzy was a smooth one, according to Abraham. “We had heard that Simon might want to return to France to finish his career,” he explained. “Although he was doing well with Ochsenhausen in Germany, we knew his contract was ending, and he was feeling a bit homesick. I reached out to him, and the discussions progressed quickly. By September, everything was set, and we signed him for the next two seasons.”
While signing a player of Gauzy’s caliber doesn’t come without its financial challenges, Abraham assured that the club found a balance that worked for both parties. “Of course, a world-class player like Simon comes at a certain price,” he said. “But it’s a natural investment for the club. He’s a legend in our sport and brings so much more than just his playing ability—his presence will excite both our supporters and our young players.”
Despite the move back to France, Gauzy will maintain a base in Germany with his partner and children. As a result, his training schedule will remain largely in Germany, with periodic stays in Hennebont. “We want to integrate him gradually,” Abraham explained. “We don’t want to disrupt his well-established routine. We understand that, and Simon is happy with the flexibility we’ve offered.”
The addition of Gauzy to the team isn’t just about strengthening the squad for the upcoming season—it’s also a symbolic signing for the club. With a legacy that includes being France’s No. 1 player for several years and winning medals at the European Games, Gauzy’s move to Hennebont is a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
“We’re incredibly proud to have him join us,” said Abraham. “Simon has always been a spectacular player, and his experience and reputation will elevate our team. We know he’ll inspire our young players and thrill our loyal supporters.”
As the next chapter in his career unfolds, Simon Gauzy’s move to GV Hennebont is one that promises both sporting success and a lasting legacy for French table tennis.