Jon Sanz: "Part of my job is to bring joy back to Stupaczuk"

Winners in Belgrade in their first competition together, Franco Stupaczuk and Jon Sanz made a successful sporting debut. But the Spanish left-hander describes a project that goes beyond the simple complementarity between a builder and a finisher. His role, he explains, will also be to free up Stupa in the center of the net and help him rediscover the joy of skating.

Their first title immediately boosted their partnership. In their debut together, Stupaczuk and Sanz won the FIP Gold Belgrade, defeating Coki Nieto and Mike Yanguas 6-3, 7-5 in the final. This victory allowed them to maintain their status as the fourth-ranked pair.

In an interview with AS on August 31, Sanz offered a broader perspective on his role. He doesn't see himself solely as the player tasked with finishing points.

A mission that goes beyond the role of finisher

Jon Sanz wants to help the Argentinian rediscover his best form, but also find more enjoyment on the court. The left-hander isn't just talking about results or rankings: he takes responsibility for the pair's emotional balance.

This statement shouldn't be interpreted as a diagnosis of Stupaczuk. However, it does reveal what Sanz believes he can bring to the team. In recent months, the Argentinian has sometimes shown signs of frustration during difficult moments. His new partner wants to help him rediscover a more free-flowing style of play.

Sanz himself arrives after a second partnership with Coki Nieto, which had lost momentum. He acknowledges that the pair hadn't recaptured the form of their first stint. The two new partners therefore share the same need: to recreate a dynamic.

A left-footed player to free up Stupaczuk in the center

The statement also has a tactical dimension. Sanz emphasizes his ability, as a left-hander positioned on the right, to relieve pressure on Stupaczuk in the center of the net. His forehand and aerial power can allow him to receive more balls in that area, while giving the Argentinian more freedom.

This is where the partnership differs, on paper, from certain pairs more focused on build-up play, defense, and counter-attacks. Yanguas and Nieto obviously possess the necessary skills to finish, but their new partnership doesn't rely on a finisher as naturally defined as Sanz.

In the Stupaczuk-Sanz pairing, the balance seems clearer: the Argentinian can create opportunities, defend, and vary the tempo, while the Spaniard poses an immediate threat with the smash and in the middle. This doesn't guarantee the pair will perform better in the long run. But this difference in playing styles can make decision-making easier in tight situations.

Álvarez and Pozzoni will take turns on the bench

Sanz also revealed the organizational structure chosen around the pair. His coach, Cristian Álvarez, will manage the team in Madrid, then alternate during the season with Carlos Pozzoni, Stupaczuk's long-time coach.

Therefore, according to the player, this is not a complete break between Stupa and Pozzoni. The new pairing has chosen to combine the two approaches. Two coaches can enrich tactical understanding and individual player development, provided their messages remain consistent.

Defend fourth place and reach a final

The immediate objectives are clearly defined. Sanz wants to defend his fourth-place ranking and quickly reach a final, despite the level displayed by the top teams. Madrid, a tournament he considers almost like home, would represent the ideal setting for him.

The official Madrid P1 draw places Stupaczuk and Sanz as the fourth seeds. Receiving a bye in the first round, they will begin against Mariano González and Francisco Cabeza, who defeated the youngsters Iago Fuertes and Bentahor Espino. If they live up to their seeding, they could face Federico Chingotto and Alejandro Galán in the semifinals.

The Belgrade title gives them matches, confidence, and a first victory against a rival pair. However, it does not yet constitute validation at the level of Premier PadelMadrid will show whether their distribution holds up against stiffer opposition.

The World Cup as a personal ambition

Jon Sanz has finally spoken about the Spanish national team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar in November. He says he hasn't spoken with the coach, but hopes to return to the national team and win the title after the final loss to Argentina in 2024.

This is therefore a declared candidacy, and not an indication of future call-up. His performances with Stupaczuk could nevertheless be a factor in the selection process, in a position where Spain has several players capable of occupying the right flank.

Belgrade gave Stupaczuk and Sanz a near-perfect start. The Spaniard's interview now clarifies the nature of their project: finishing points, covering the middle, but also rebuilding confidence and enjoyment. Their first real test begins in Madrid.

Antoine Tricolet

I discovered the Padel I stumbled into Spain at a campsite. I was instantly hooked; passionate about padel, I follow international and regional news with the same excitement as the sport itself.