Behind the big posters and the stars of the circuit, another reality of  professional padel  continues to be a subject of debate. The issue of players who constantly play qualifying matches, travel extensively, and yet struggle, despite their results, to establish a stable career on the main circuit. This week, it's the Spanish player.  Sofia Saiz  who decided to speak out publicly.

In a lengthy message posted on her social media, the Spanish player expressed her incomprehension at the current functioning of  Premier Padel  and the points system of the  FIP A sincere statement that reignites a debate that has been present in the paddock for several months.

"Every match is a battle"

Sofía Saiz does not question the level of the circuit. On the contrary. She even acknowledges that the current season is particularly demanding: "This year is very tough," she explains, before adding that "every match is a very intense battle."

With his partner  Marta Talaván However, the Spaniard has been putting in solid performances since the start of the season. Both players have competed in eight tournaments. Premier Padelpassed all the qualifying stages and reached the round of 16 five times.

These results, on paper, might suggest a natural progression towards the main draws. However, according to Saiz, the reality of the rankings is quite different.

The crosshair point system

It is primarily the current operation of FIP points that poses a problem for the Spanish player.

With a touch of irony, she sums up the situation like this: "Getting through qualifying earns you more thanks to the bonus." Before pointing out a problem that many players on the intermediate circuit have been quietly discussing for a long time: some FIP tournaments are now more profitable in terms of points than wins obtained on Premier Padel.

"The FIP scale is so high that today it sometimes rewards FIP wins more than Premier League wins," she laments.

This observation leads many players to favor certain secondary tournaments rather than the main draws. Premier Padel, yet supposed to represent the highest global level.

A complicated economic reality

Beyond the points, Sofía Saiz also discusses the financial difficulties associated with life on the tour. Even at the highest international level, many players still have to manage significant expenses week after week.

She details, in particular, the hotel costs for the players and their coaches, as well as the sometimes limited accommodations before the official start of the main draw: "Until the evening before the first match, we don't even have meals included. Honestly, it's not cost-effective."

This testimony illustrates the difficulties faced by a large proportion of players outside the very top of the world rankings.

" Play Premier Padel "no points and no money" behind the scenes of professional padel

"I can't find the right formula."

The Spaniard's message takes on an even stronger dimension when she mentions her personal doubts about the future of her career.

"I wonder what the right formula is to continue competing at this level and achieve certain goals. The reality is that I can't find the answer," she writes.

A lucid reflection, far from any polemical discourse, which above all reflects the physical, mental and economic strain felt by many players in the circuit.

A message nonetheless geared towards competition

Despite this strong statement, Sofía Saiz concluded her message with her focus still on the pitch and the competition. The Spaniard made a point of thanking her partner  Marta Talaván  as well as his technical team for their daily support.

"I had to get it out," she wrote, before immediately refocusing on her round of 16 match in Buenos Aires.

This public statement brings back to light an issue that has already been denounced on several occasions, particularly among players in the men's draw: the real living conditions on the professional circuit for all those who are far from the top of the world rankings.

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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