After a year marked by changes of partners and the difficulties linked to the injury of Tamara, Alejandra Salazar looks back on the challenges of this 2024 season. Between adapting to a new partner, Jessica castello, and the mental demands of an unstable year, the champion discusses her desire for stability and her ambitions for the end of the season. As she approaches her 40th birthday, the world No. 13 player also shares her thoughts on the future of her career and her desire to remain competitive, while taking a step back from her journey.

Perhaps the last world cup / a desire for stability

After last year's setbacks, how do you feel this year?

Alejandra Salazar : This year has been a real journey, starting slowly and finishing stronger. Last year, with Sofia Araujo, when I returned, we played several tournaments and were able to practice BarcelonaThis was reflected in the results, with several finals.

This year has been more atypical with the injury of Tamara, who was absent for several months. I had to change partners several times. It was very intense mentally. I had to adapt to each one, and with the little time between tournaments.

How did you manage all these changes?

Alejandra Salazar : With the help of my psychologist, my friends and my family. I would be lying if I said it was easy. It is probably the worst year of my career in terms of ranking, sensations and stability. But you have to fight with what happens. There are still several tournaments left, and I hope to finish in the best possible way.

We are already three quarters of the way through the season, and the most demanding part of the year begins, with two Majors and the World Championship at the end of the season.

Alejandra Salazar : As the years go by, I still feel like a little girl, as if it were my first season. I was very happy to be selected to represent theSpain later Mondial, and it might be the last one, so I plan on making the most of it. I hope to find some stability with my new partner in these last tournaments and to be able to adapt quickly.

Alejandra Salazar: "The importance of stability after a year of turbulence"

A staunch advocate of pair stability

You have always opted for long-term projects with your partners. And yet, this is no longer really the case…

Alejandra Salazar : When you change partners so much, as I did, it is difficult to adapt quickly to each one. When your partner does not live in the same city, it becomes even more complicated. In addition, each coach has his own way of seeing things. There is so much information that it becomes difficult to reconcile everything to play serenely.

I am a big believer in stable pairs. Even after bad games or tough times, it's always better to play with someone you know well, with whom you have automation, good communication on the track. All these factors help to achieve better results in the long run.

This end of season will be with your new partner, Jessica Castello, at home in Madrid. Was it you who contacted her?

Alejandra Salazar : Yes. Two days before the registration deadline, Tamara and I were thinking of playing together again, but she finally told me that she wouldn't play either Barcelona, nor the following ones for now. So I had to find a new partner quickly. I thought about Jessica, and luckily, she accepted.

What motivated you to choose it?

Alejandra Salazar : She had a very good season. She has a lot of potential, she is fast, defends well, and has a great variety of shots. She is young, motivated, and I think she has all the ingredients to become one of the best.

Alejandra Salazar castle
Credit Premier Padel

Bea Gonzalez…

What do you like most about Jessica?

Alejandra Salazar : To bravery and boldnessShe is hungry for success, and it shows.

What is your assessment of the first two tournaments together?

Alejandra Salazar : We started slowly, with a bit of nervousness at first, but we adapted well. Unfortunately, at the last tournament, Jessica had abdominal pain, which forced us to take a break.

If Jessica didn't exist, who would you like to play with?

Alejandra Salazar : That's a good question. Maybe with Bea, she's the only top left-handed player I haven't played with yet.

There is an intense rivalry this year with Sánchez/Triay and Fernández. Do you think you have the means to beat them?

Alejandra Salazar : I think we have the tools, but to be honest, we still need a little time to reach their level. That said, we must never stop believing.

Looking back over your career, from your debut in 2001 to today, what has changed in your playing?

Alejandra Salazar : I have matured a lot, both technically and mentally. I have had so many enriching experiences that have helped me grow. Being number 1 for three decades shows how well I have adapted to the new generations, more physical and younger. This is what has pushed me to continue fighting every day.

In a year and a half, you will be 40 years old. Are you thinking about retirement?

Alejandra Salazar : Yes, of course. I think about it, but I prefer to go year after year. I have had many operations on my knees and elbow, and the pain is increasing. I want to stay competitive, so I will see how I feel in 2025, and maybe also in 2026.

Alejandra Salazar: "The importance of stability after a year of turbulence"

The QUIZ special

Who has the best smash?

Alejandra Salazar : For par 3, I would say Gem. For a powerful smash, Bea ou Sofia.

Who has the best volley?

Alejandra Salazar : For the right volley, I really like the one from Tamara, and for the backhand volley, those of Ari et Gem.

And what about the chiquita (small short ball)?

Alejandra Salazar : Delphi is very good at this.

The best service?

Alejandra Salazar : Carolina Navarro for the reverse. (laugh)

And what about the bandeja?

Alejandra Salazar : Mine, of course! (laughs) But seriously, now that many players prefer to do the viper, the competition is less. For the vibora, I would say Delphi ou Gem.

To interview : And finally, who has the best bajada ?

Alejandra Salazar: Paula, without a doubt. Paulita Dinamita is amazing in this area.

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.

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