Maxi Sánchez: "Players must learn to protect their livelihoods"

At 39 years, Maxi Sánchez is no longer just a competitor. The former world number one, the Argentinian, now participates in the meetings of the Premier Padel of the Steering Committee Board as an advisory representative of the players to the FIP and Premier Padel At the Italy Major in Rome, he discussed the main reforms that will come into effect in 2027, while also calling on players to be more responsible. Between reducing the number of results counted, limiting access to the FIP Tour for the world's top players, and considering changes in partners, Sánchez believes the circuit is moving in the right direction, even if several issues remain unresolved.

Reforms that players are waiting for

For Maxi Sánchez, the announcements made in Rome represent an important step forward.

The point he considers most positive concerns the reduction in the average, which will go from 22 to 21 results counted from 2027.

"This is a very positive change. It's what we've been trying to achieve for a long time."

The Argentinian, however, points out that the players wanted to go even further.

"The goal was to reach 18 counted tournaments. We tried to get 20, but in the end it will be 21. It's not ideal, but it's already progress."

According to him, a lower average would better preserve the bodies while leaving players free to participate in more competitions if they wish.

"To guarantee 18 good results, a player would still participate in 22, 23, or 25 tournaments. But he would have more leeway to manage his schedule and his physical condition."

Finding a balance with the developers

The discussions were not easy. Sánchez explains that the organizers were primarily defending their economic interests.

"The promoters wanted to be sure they had the best players at their tournaments. I can understand their point of view; it's their business."

The role of the players' representatives was then to remind everyone of another reality.

“We emphasized the importance of protecting the players’ physical well-being. Ultimately,” Premier Padel "A compromise was reached with an average set at 21."

For Sánchez, the quality of tournaments remains the best way to naturally attract the best players.

Maxi Sánchez: "Bela, Lima, Diaz… for me, they were the greatest generation in the history of padel."

"We must protect our livelihood."

When asked about an apparent contradiction between the desire to play less and the increase in exhibitions during rest weeks, Maxi Sánchez gives a very lucid speech.

"Players need to learn to protect their livelihoods."

Selon's, Premier Padel remains the absolute priority today.

"It's the circuit that will continue to grow. It's what brings prestige, rankings, and what I sell to my sponsors. Ultimately, it's what allows me to make a living."

The Argentinian nevertheless acknowledges that players today have the freedom to accept exhibitions, sometimes very lucrative ones.

He cites in particular Agustín Tapia regularly sought after around the world.

"If Tapia is invited everywhere with very large fees, it's thanks to what he achieves on Premier PadelIt's a complex situation.

Limit the number of top players on the FIP Tour

Another reform welcomed by Sánchez: the new restrictions concerning the participation of top players in the FIP Tour .

"It's a good decision. The Top 20 players have been calling for it for a long time."

According to him, the previous system pushed the world's best to participate in more and more tournaments simply because their competitors were doing the same.

"When everyone is playing everywhere, you're forced to keep up in order not to lose ground. The system pushes you to do that."

Conversely, he very much welcomes the FIP's decision to award more points in the early rounds of Premier Padel.

"This idea comes directly from the FIP and I think it's an excellent decision. The benchmark professional circuit must remain Premier Padel »

Towards regulations governing changes of partners?

Among the topics that could quickly come up for discussion is that of changes in partners.

Maxi Sánchez believes that the current system sometimes lacks consistency.

He already approves of the new rule preventing a player from competing in a tournament Premier Padel with one partner and then a FIP with another during the same week.

"In recent seasons, some episodes have not given the impression of a completely professional sport."

But he would like to go further.

"I would like to propose a system to regulate changes in partners."

He believes several options exist: establishing transfer windows or limiting the number of changes allowed in a season.

"We will also need to consider injuries. This is not a reform that can be implemented immediately, but I think this discussion will come sooner or later."

A still young sport that must continue to evolve

Maxi Sánchez also shows himself to be in favor of certain innovations, such as the Star Point , while acknowledging that their true impact can only be assessed in competition.

"On paper, many things seem to work. Then, the reality on the ground decides."

He believes that padel needs to continue to evolve.

"We are a young sport. We must remain open to improvements and also learn from our mistakes."

The former world number one also expressed support for better harmonization of the calendar, an idea that could pave the way for tours organized according to track speeds, as had been proposed. Paquito Navarro .

Regrets surrounding PPA and World Padel Tour

Finally, Sánchez returned to the complicated relationship between Premier Padel and the PPA , the players' association that he helped to create alongside Fernando Belasteguín , Pablo Lima , Paquito Navarro or, Ale Galán .

Today, he is no longer part of it, but hopes to see relations improve.

"I would like to help make the relationship between the players and the tour smoother so that the players feel truly represented."

Invited to the meetings by the FIP et Premier Padel He clarifies that his role remains purely advisory.

"I don't make any decisions. I listen, I ask questions, I give my opinion when asked, and then I pass the information on to the players."

Finally, if he had to express one regret about the last few years, he would mention the passing of World Padel Tour .

« World Padel Tour has contributed enormously to the development of padel. My only regret is not having been able to reach an agreement so that World Padel Tour can continue to work alongside Premier Padel »

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!