Only at 16 years, Martina Calvo wrote a page of history in Brussels by becoming the youngest player to reach the quarter-finals of a tournament Premier Padel. Associated with Marta BorreroThe young Spaniard not only broke an age record: she was also the first to reach this stage of the tournament from the qualifying round. A performance that perhaps marks the beginning of a great career. Martina confided in the newspaper SPORTS, delivering with simplicity and enthusiasm his first impressions and his extraordinary journey.

From Pamplona to Brussels: a journey that is not so ordinary

Born at Pamplona, Martina discovered padel very early, quickly swapping the round ball for the pala.Padel was better for me than football”, she confides with humor. Trained at the school of Pablo Semprún, she began to handle the racket at the age of four years, while his parents and uncles were already passionate about this sport.

Before devoting herself entirely to padel, Martina also played football, playing as a right midfielder. But her quiet personality—"I didn't really like celebrating goals"—naturally led her to a sport where she could shine without seeking the spotlight.

Between sporting passion and academic ambitions

Today in first year of scientific baccalaureate, Martina juggles between her studies and high-level padel. Her goal: to continue her studies while pursuing a professional career in sport. She is even considering studying physiotherapy or podiatry, two areas that already attract him.

Organized and rigorous, she strives to balance international tournaments and exams, relying on the support of her teachers, friends, and family to achieve this.

A progression built patiently

Unlike other young prodigies, Martina didn't win everything from the start. Long held back in the youth categories, she didn't win her first national title until she was a cadet. This success convinced her to take the circuit more seriously, without rushing things.

"I understood that I had to first go through the youth tournaments before aiming higher.“, she explains. This patience seems to be bearing fruit today.

A mentality already well established

Martina knows: in a world as competitive as professional padel, having your feet on the ground is essential. “You have to have a strong mind to cope with the traveling, the competition, the pressure.” She can count on the support of Pablo Semprún, whom she considers her guide both on a sporting and human level.

Inspired by players like Marta Ortega, although she plays on the backhand side, Martina builds her game around consistency and game intelligence. “I am rather a patient player, who makes few errors, even if I still have to learn to be more aggressive to close out points.”

A dream in progress

Beyond the results, Martina insists on the importance of enjoy the journey, advice that those around her constantly repeat to her. For her, the simple fact of living from one's passion is already a dream come true. As for the financial benefits of her early successes, she prefers to remain detached: “I don’t worry about the money. My representatives manage that.”

In Brussels, even if the adventure ended in the quarter-finals against Alejandra Salazar et Verónica Virseda, Martina Calvo's mark is indelible: that of a talented, ambitious and lucid kid, promised a bright future.

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 !

On the same subject

Tags