After winning Wimbledon in 2013, Marion Bartoli was named France’s Champion of Champions by L'Equipe and met Deschamps at the ceremony. She describes a 13‑year friendship, noting his frequent visits to Dubai where he enjoys padel and jokes that he’s "getting old".

Bartoli’s friend plays padel with Zinedine Zidane and Andres Iniesta in the south of France and Dubai, calling the matches "hilarious". The game, she says, keeps the competitive spirit alive even as they age.

Deschamps captained France to a 1998 World Cup win and later managed the team to another triumph in 2018, a 2022 final loss, and a 2016 Euros defeat to Portugal. He is now preparing for the 2026 World Cup, hoping to win again before ending his tenure.

Bartoli believes Deschamps Release deserves more praise for his leadership. She expects him to finish on a high, perhaps lifting the 2026 trophy, and hints he may pursue a new adventure after the tournament.