Former  global 1 number  en   2018  figurehead  of Argentinian and world padel,  Maxi Sánchez  was present at  FIP Platinum of Marseille . See you soon  40 years,  the player returns for Padel Magazine on his beginnings, his golden generation, the evolution of the circuit and his expert view on modern padel.

 A passion that began very early in Argentina 

At 39 years,  Maxi Sánchez  already has  A lifetime of padel  behind him. A story that begins very early in 1990s Argentina.

“I started playing at 6 years old. My father and mother were already playing padel at that time, and it was very much a family affair,” he says. In his early days, padel was primarily a  sharing matter , local tournaments and family trips. "We would go play together, we traveled, and that made me fall in love with the sport."

He quickly became successful at the game.  12 years He begins a structured training program, with physical preparation and a dedicated coach. At only  15 years , it integrates the  professional circuit "I loved training, I loved competition. It happened quite naturally."

 Spain, the necessary step towards the top level 

In 2006, at the age of 19, Maxi Sánchez left Argentina for Spain. He headed to Madrid, where he would build the bulk of his professional career. "I lived in Spain for 19 years, in constant competition. It was a key stage for me."

This choice marked a turning point. He faced the best, progressed, and established himself permanently among the elite. Despite the years, his motivation remained intact.

"I'm in love with this sport. I still love the competition, the places where we play, the countries we visit. And above all, I love seeing how padel has evolved."

 A golden generation, made up of idols and rivalries 

When he talks about his career, Maxi Sánchez speaks emotionally about the generation he grew up with.  Juan Martín Diaz, Fernando Belasteguín, Pablo Lima, Miguel Lamperti, Sanyo Gutiérrez … Names that have made history.

"For me, it was the greatest generation in the history of padel," he states without hesitation. "Because many of these players were my idols. And I was lucky enough to share the court with them, to compete with them for many years."

He also emphasizes the collective impact of this generation. "All these players have helped padel grow. And I am grateful to them for that."

Padel Pro Tour Valencia - Fernando Belasteguin Juan Martin Diaz Marcelo Jardim Maxi Sánchez

 A new era at a “stratospheric” level 

While he acknowledges the strength of his generation, Maxi Sánchez is equally impressed by the current state of padel. "Today, young people are playing stratospheric padel," he smiles.  Tapia, Coello, Galán, Chingotto, Stupaczuk  ou  Yanguas  According to him, they embody a level never before reached.

"Thanks to the path we, the previous generations, have taken, padel is now at a very, very high level. And it's spectacular to watch."
He even admits to taking real pleasure in being a spectator: "I sit at home and watch Tapia or Galán matches with enormous pleasure."

 Pair stability, key to performance 

When asked about the numerous separations observed on the circuit, particularly in 2025, Maxi Sánchez offered a clear-eyed assessment. "The new generations want quick results. Not just in padel, but in all of society."

He considers this a counterproductive trend. "Long-term projects work. That's proven. Tapia/Coello, Lebrón/Galán, Bela/Lima... these are pairs that have built something over time."

He also cites his own journey with Sanyo Gutiérrez: "We became number 1 after several years together. Time makes you progress, as a player and as a partner."
Although he mentions the idea of ​​windows of change or regulation in case of injury, he remains convinced that stability is still the best path to the top.

Horacio Clementi with Maxi Sanchez and Sanyo

 The French public, a real discovery 

Present for the first time in France on the occasion of the  FIP Platinum Marseille Maxi Sánchez made no secret of his satisfaction. From his very first days there, the Argentinian said he was struck by the welcome, the quality of the facilities and the atmosphere surrounding the tournament.

«  France is making a great effort to become a true padel powerhouse.  " he affirms. An observation he attributes directly to the structuring work carried out by the  French Federation but also to the overall investment surrounding international events. "The Federation does a very good job of making players feel comfortable, in very good facilities."

Beyond the organizational aspect, it is above all the  French sporting culture  which appealed to him. "The people here are very sporty, they understand sport, padel. You can tell they really live the competitions."

He even attended a match at  Velodrome "It was incredible. Very close to the Argentinian atmosphere, to the  Bombonera  or  Monumental You can tell that people are really into sports.
A strong impression, which reinforces his very positive view of the  France  and  development in padel. 

Maxi Sanchez at the FIP Platinum in Marseille

 Tapia and Galán, the players who impress him the most 

When asked which players impress him the most today, Maxi Sánchez doesn't hesitate for long. "The one I enjoy watching play the most, the one I'd pay to see, is Agustín Tapia."

He praises his creative and spectacular side: "He's always inventing something. He has fans all over the world."
He also quotes Ale Galán: "Powerful, fast, very strong physically. These are the players who are making padel grow."

 The Starpoint, a change still to be tamed 

Concerning  Starpoint Maxi Sánchez admits he was surprised. "It's strange at first. I prefer the traditional game with advantages."
He does, however, understand the logic of the circuit: "I know that Premier Padel seeks to reduce match time, particularly for television.

After his initial experience, he remains cautious: "I found it strange, but I think it can work, especially in slower or colder conditions."

 One last dream: to see padel become an Olympic sport. 

If he has already achieved his sporting dream by becoming  global 1 number Maxi Sánchez is looking even further ahead. "Today, my dream is to continue enjoying competition, to stay healthy, for myself and for my family."

But he shares another, more collective one: "I would really like to see  Padel at the Olympic Games  »
A crowning achievement for a sport he witnessed being born, evolving, and exploding onto the world stage. For Maxi Sánchez, padel has never been more vibrant, and its story is far from over.

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!

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