A key figure in modern coaching and a highly influential voice on social media, Manu Martín spoke on VeinteDiez to offer a clear-eyed reflection on the current evolution of padel. A clear message: the sport's growth is excellent news… but it comes with increasingly brutal exposure.

Coach of the pair Alejandra Salazar / Martina CalvoOne of the revelations of the season, the Madrid-based coach has been observing the evolution of the professional circuit for several years. And according to him, the parallel is inevitable:

"We'll end up like football."

A sport that is emerging from the shadows

For Manu Martín, padel has changed dimensions. Media coverage, the role of social networks, and the proliferation of content have profoundly transformed the relationship between players and the public.

Where once only on-field performance mattered, every action and gesture is now commented on, analyzed, sometimes judged without filter.
"Before, nobody talked about a player's performance outside of tournaments. Now, everyone has an opinion."

The pressure of critics, a new reality of the circuit

Manu Martín also discusses the psychological impact of this overexposure, particularly for top-level players. He recounts seeing a top player deeply affected by negative comments posted online by ordinary spectators.

His advice is clear: do not let yourself be influenced, neither by praise nor by attacks.
"Today you're useless, tomorrow you win and you're great again. You shouldn't believe either one."

An inevitable, double-edged mutation

For the coach, this transformation is both an opportunity and a danger. More visibility means more sponsors, more recognition, but also more pressure and constant judgment.

"In football, that's normal. And that's exactly what we're heading towards."

A total professionalization which requires padel players to learn to manage a new dimension of their profession: communication, criticism and image.

Manu Martín, symbol of modern padel

With over 300,000 subscribers on YouTube via his channel Improve your PaddleManu Martín himself is exposed to both positive and negative comments. He acknowledges that increased visibility inevitably brings criticism:
"When you go from 100 to 100,000 subscribers, there will always be a percentage of people who criticize you. That's just how it is."

His speech resonates beyond the court: padel is growing, becoming structured, and professionalizing. And with it come the codes of spectator sport.

A decisive turning point for professional padel

Manu Martín's message is clear: padel is entering a new era. More media coverage, more followers, more analysis. A necessary step to become a major sport, but one that demands adaptability and maturity from the players.

Because today, performing is no longer enough. You also have to learn how to exist in a world where every match is played… sometimes also off the field.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

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