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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Gabriel Debru is no ordinary first-year student.
“The crowd’s reaction to him is immediate,” remarked Illinois head coach Brad Dancer. “You can tell he’s truly exceptional.”
At 20 years old, the French tennis player transitioned from professional circuits to the collegiate arena in the U.S., a decision influenced by a wrist fracture he endured last January.
“Recovering was tough; re-learning movement was a challenge,” Debru shared. “It’s been a long journey back, and I’m incredibly proud and thrilled to be here, competing alongside my teammates.”
Debru currently holds the 28th spot in the ITA college singles rankings and is recognized as the third-highest-ranked freshman nationwide, making a significant impact on the Illini team, following in the footsteps of his brother Mathis, who spent three seasons under Brad Dancer’s guidance.
Along with a big frame, the French phenom is known for bringing the juice to practice and games.
“He provides an energy and a spark every single day,” Dancer said. “For a lot of our fans around here that remember Zeke Clarke, I say he’s a 6’5” Zeke Clarke with a serve. “He’s like just got the same combustible energy all the time.”
“I always had that because with my brother, when we were playing against each other, it was always a battle,” Debru said. “I was always losing, but I was just trying to fight.” “We were screaming at each other.” “That’s how you build confidence between each other, that’s how you get tougher between each other.” “I think it’s just learning how to play with pressure and playing for more than you, your family, making them proud, and keeping the team proud of you.”
Debru says his career at the junior level, including a singles title at the 2022 Roland-Garros Junior Championships, prepared him to shine for the Orange and Blue.
“I think it’s just learning how to play with pressure and playing for more than you, your family, making them proud, and making the team proud of you,” Debru said. “I think that’s something very important that we all learn.”