Former world number 7 Alex Ruiz refuses to look back. At 32, the left-hander from Malaga, currently ranked 21st in the world, is determined to return to the top. A longtime quarter-finalist and semi-finalist on the circuit, the Spaniard candidly analyzes the reasons for his drop in the rankings, discusses the dramatic rise in the world level, criticizes the current points system that pushes top players towards FIP tournaments, and reflects on his dream of competing in another World Championship with Spain. A meeting at Bordeaux P2 with one of the most experienced players on the circuit Premier Padel. 

 "The level of competition has never been higher." 

 Padel Magazine You were ranked number 7 in the world and today you're ranked 21st. We see you being eliminated in the round of 16 more often. How do you explain that? Is it a question of level, mental strength, or simply the evolution of the circuit? 

 Alex Ruiz:  It's a bit of a mix of several factors.

When you're ranked number 7 in the world, the draws are completely different. Now, being around 21st, you very often face a seeded player in the round of 16. These are extremely difficult matches.

Back when I was in the Top 10, the results were obviously better. That's what allowed me to reach that ranking.

But paradoxically, I think I'm a better player today.

Mentally, physically, and technically, I have improved. I have corrected several aspects of my game about which I previously had doubts.

However, the overall level has increased enormously.

Young players arrive with incredible ambition, professionalism has developed, and the number of players capable of winning big matches is much greater than before.

The ranking also explains a lot, because it directly conditions the tables.

 Do you really feel a difference compared to a few years ago? 

Yes.

Today, everyone works extremely hard.

The players are much more well-rounded.

The physical level has improved, as has the tactical level. There is more competition, and each season becomes more difficult than the last.

Male padel player in a green polo shouting on an indoor court, holding a padel racquet.

 "Seeing top seeds leave Premier Padel "For the FIP, that's a mistake." 

 Many players now favor certain FIP tournaments over P2 tournaments in order to collect more points. Would you make this choice yourself? 

Honestly, I think this is a system that needs to evolve.

For me, this is not beneficial for the growth of padel.

When you see highly ranked players withdraw from a tournament Premier Padel To try and get points in a FIP tournament shows that there is a problem.

Of course, when it is possible to combine a P2 and a FIP in the same week, why not.

But the FIPs should primarily serve young players.

They should be a gateway to Premier Padel, not an alternative for the best players in the world.

Today, we see players fighting to be seeded No. 8, or even better, going to play in South Africa rather than a P2 like Valladolid.

For me, these are steps backwards in the development of sport.

A man in a green polo leans over a large exercise ball, gripping the surface as he exercises in a gym.
Padel player in a light blue shirt jumps to hit a yellow ball with a racket above the net in an indoor arena activity shot of a match edge of court shown.

 "FIPs should help young people, not established players." 

 What, in your opinion, should be the true role of the FIP circuit? 

It should allow young people to take a step forward.

Enter today on Premier Padel has become extremely difficult.

The FIPs should offer this opportunity to players who are still far down in the rankings in order to gradually join the major draws.

Because in the end, all players dream of competing in the Majors, P1 and P2.

That's where we want to move forward.

 Is there a space for dialogue between players and Premier Padel ? 

There is indeed an advisory committee, but quite honestly, it does not really represent the majority of players.

We did not elect him.

We do not feel represented.

Today, there is virtually no dialogue between PPA and Premier Padel.

And the players find themselves somewhat left to their own devices.

We don't always know where we're going or if our voice is actually being heard.

Alex Ruiz: "I feel better than when I was world number 7 / the current system is hindering the progress of padel."

 How can this situation be improved? 

I think we need to find a real unity among the players.

Today, there are many divisions.

Ideally, a healthy relationship between the players should be re-established. Premier Padel and the developers.

The circuit is essential for us to be able to make a living from our sport.

But the players are also the main actors in the show.

Promoters, the circuit, and players should move in the same direction.

Padel is experiencing extraordinary growth.

The audience is growing in size.

Media interest is constantly increasing.

It simply lacks more cohesion.

On commercial matters, we are not necessarily in the best position to give our opinion.

On the other hand, in everything concerning sports, I think there is still a lot of room for improvement.

 "Playing in the World Cup again remains one of my biggest goals." 

 Is the World Championship still one of your ambitions? 

Obviously.

I know that my results are no longer those of the last editions.

Not necessarily because I'm playing less well, but because nowadays you have to get very high results to be selected.

We need to get back to the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, and beat the best.

But representing Spain remains a dream.

I believe no player can disagree.

Wearing your country's jersey provides incomparable emotions.

We spend all year competing against each other on the circuit.

During the World Cup, we are all pursuing the same goal.

This atmosphere is unique.

Nothing compares to a team competition.

 "Winning the World Cup remains the best memory of my career." 

 What is the moment that stands out most for you? 

There are several.

First, to reach a final in Malaga, at home, at the Martín Carpena Palace.

It was very special.

There's also my first title won with Franco Stupaczuk in Sardinia.

After all the years of work, it was a huge reward.

But if I had to choose just one, it would be the world title with Spain.

When Paquito Navarro and Juan Lebrón win the decisive point…

I still remember all the emotions.

The group was exceptional.

The atmosphere, the solidarity, the support between all the players…

It was something unique.

For me, winning a World Championship represents the greatest achievement a player can experience.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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