They are young, talented, and already impressive on the international stage. The Portuguese Xavier Ré (12 years) and Salvador Lima Condes (11 years old), number 1 seeds in the draw U12 au FIP Promises Paris by WMEconfirmed their status by winning 6 / 2 6 / 3 facing the French Lucas Lamour Fornier et Camille Laumon.

Aged 12 and 11 respectively, Xavier and Salvador represent the new generation of Portuguese padel.
"I am 11 years old and I come from Portugal," explains Salvador.
"I'm 12 years old and I also come from Portugal," adds his teammate Xavier.

Both discovered padel at a very young age, often thanks to their parents.
“I started playing padel because my mother used to train. I always went to her training sessions, and one day I wanted to try it… it went well, and I continued!” says Salvador.
For Xavier, the story is similar: "It was my father who opened a club, and from there, I started playing."

Who are Xavier Ré and Salvador Lima Condes, the number 1 seeds in U12?
Who are Xavier Ré and Salvador Lima Condes, the number 1 seeds in U12?

The two young prospects train at renowned clubs in Portugal.
"I train in Aveiro" Padel and in Aveiro Padel "Indoors," Salvador specifies.
“I train at Oeiras.” Padel Académica, my father’s club,” adds Xavier.

Their training schedule is already demanding for their age, with approximately 15 hours of padel per weekbetween technical sessions and physical preparation.

Like many young players, they have very specific role models.
"My favorite player is Arturo Tapia"for the magic he exudes on the field," explains Salvador.
"I like it too" Wall, and also Ale Galan"Because I use his equipment," Xavier smiled.

When asked what their main qualities are, Salvador answers without hesitation: "My greatest quality is the vibra, or the glass exit."
Xavier, for his part, believes that it is his lob and its ability to strike hard into the opponent's body on the fly.
And what about areas for improvement?
"What I want to improve the most is my exit from the window on the left side," Salvador admits.
"For me, that's my smash," adds Xavier.

Regarding their objectives for this tournament, the two Portuguese players do not hide their ambitions.
"I'd at least like to reach the final, but what I really want is win this tournament " says Salvador.
“Yes, the goal is to go as far as possible,” confirms Xavier.

Despite the Parisian cold, they appreciate their experience at Tennis / Padel Lésigny Club.
"I feel good here, the club is great, even if it's very cold. Everything is very well organized, the tournament is great," smiles Xavier.

Apart from padel, the two young men have simple passions: "I play a little bit of PlayStation " says Salvador.
“Me, rather TikTok"I don't play much on the console," Xavier said, laughing.

Facing Lucas Lamour Fornier et Camille LaumonThe Portuguese delivered a very solid performance, alternating between power and consistency. The score (6-2, 6-3) reflects the control of the number 1 seed, determined to confirm their status and aim for the U12 final from FIP Promises Paris by WME.

Credit: Inside Court

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

On the same subject

Tags