Rodri Ovide: “Gemma and I both had the separation in mind, without having discussed it”

The end of the collaboration between Rodri Ovide et Gemma Triay It wasn't a simple spark after Riyadh. In an interview with Capital Radio, the Argentinian coach explained that the professional relationship had already reached a point of wear and tear, even though the personal bond remains intact after more than six years of working together.

"It was a friendly discussion... with the relationship we have, it was the best way to end, wishing each other the best," he confided.

Gemma Triay and Rodri Ovide have parted ways, a collaboration that no one saw coming.

A conflict-free decision

The coach insists that there is no neither a sudden break nor a reproachBoth had, each on their own, already considered the possibility of ending the collaboration.

"Individually, we both had it in mind, without having discussed it. When we sat down to talk, there were no surprises."

Although the timing, right after the first tournament of the season, may seem strange, Ovide believes the moment presented itself naturally:
"Sometimes, moments are not chosen."

The weight of the separate staffs

One of the central points of her analysis concerns the difficulty of working in a structure where each player has her own staff. With the arrival of Jorge Martínez In Delfi Brea's entourage, the team operated with two visions.

"We became a team of four: Jorge with Delfi, me with Gemma. Each of us has our own philosophy, our own way of seeing the game, and that's where the friction starts."

The Argentinian reiterates that he has always favoured a collective model:
"I am convinced that padel is a team sport for three people."

Differences in philosophy rather than in results

According to him, the lost final in Riyadh or the visible frustration on the track were only secondary elements.

"Not winning is a contributing factor, but the core of the problem lies in playing styles and approaches to matches."

Despite this, he leaves the project with a sense of duty fulfilled:
"I leave with a goal achieved and the peace of mind knowing I did my job well."

A mixture of emptiness and enthusiasm

After six and a half years of collaboration, the separation inevitably leaves its mark.

“Cutting something that works leaves you with a void… but also the illusion of starting something new.”

On a personal level, he emphasizes the quality of human relationships:
"We could take our coach-player relationship as an example. There has never been any authoritarianism or recriminations."

What's Next ?

Regarding what comes next, Ovide is clear-sighted: the timing makes an immediate new project unlikely.

"With only one tournament played this season, it's very difficult for a pair to change coaches now."

He will therefore use this period for his personal projects and family, while waiting for the phone to ring:
"I'm open to a new project, but today isn't the ideal time."

A turning point in women's padel

This separation illustrates a strong trend in the circuit: multiple staffs, individualized projects and fragile balances despite the results.
For Triay and Brea, the arrival of Seba Nerone marks a new cycle.
For Ovide, it's the end of an adventure spanning more than six years, crowned by a return to global 1 number.

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 !