At 40 years,  Alejandra Salazar is about to turn the page on the most beautiful chapter in the history of women's padel. In an interview with the Spanish media  Sports world , on the occasion of his appearance on the podcast Bullpodcast Nacho Palencia, the former world number one, looks back with great emotion on her decision to retire, talks about what she will miss the most and reveals one of the biggest regrets of her career: not having reformed her pair with Gemma Triay.

 "This is a final goodbye." 

With  62 tracks ,  seven world titles with Spain  et  four seasons finished in first place in the world Alejandra Salazar is preparing to end an exceptional career. A decision she affirms is irrevocable.

"This is a final goodbye; nothing can change my mind."

Speaking about the end of her career, the Spaniard couldn't hold back her tears. More than the victories or the trophies, it's the atmosphere of the big events that she'll miss the most.

"When you step onto the court in front of 12,000 or 16,000 people, I get goosebumps. That's probably what I'll miss the most."

It's a message she also addresses to the young players called upon to take over.

"It's incredible. They should enjoy it and give it their all."

Alejandra Salazar and Valladolid: the story of a legend about to turn the page

 Gemma Triay, the best partner of his career 

When asked about the best partnership she has ever had, Salazar leaves no room for doubt.

For her,  Gemma Triay  remains the partner with whom she reached her highest level.

"We were both at our best. We had this feeling that no one could beat us."

The results speak for themselves: the pair dominated the circuit and finished  world number one in 2021 and 2022 before a separation that had caused a great stir.

At the time, while Salazar was injured with an elbow injury, Triay chose to continue with Marta Ortega, ending one of the most dominant partnerships on the circuit.

 His biggest regret of his career? 

The story could have had a completely different ending.

A few months after their split, Gemma Triay had reconnected with Alejandra Salazar to discuss a possible reunion. But this time, it was the Madrid native who preferred to continue with another partner, accepting Tamara Icardo's offer.

Looking back, this decision continues to give her pause for thought.

“After my elbow injury, Gemma called me, as did Tamara. Today, I sometimes think to myself, ‘What if I had said yes…?’”

A candid confession that illustrates the many choices professional athletes face throughout their careers. While Alejandra Salazar will retire from the slopes at the end of the season with an exceptional record, this "what if..." will undoubtedly remain one of the few unanswered questions in an otherwise near-perfect career.

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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