Just days before her 29th birthday (July 19th), Ari Sánchez continues to be a leading figure in world padel. Ranked No. 5 in the world, the Reus native has opened a new chapter in her career this season alongside the young Andrea Ustero. After reaching the semi-finals in Bordeaux, the former world No. 1 opened up about her new partnership, her ongoing special relationship with Paula Josemaría, her rivalry with Gemma Triay, the legacy of Alejandra Salazar, and her assessment of the first half of the season. Interview. 

 "Playing with Paula again at the World Cup would definitely be special." 

 Would you like to experience seeing Paula Josemaría back in the Spanish national team? 

Yes of course.

Every time we find ourselves side by side during the warm-up, it feels strange.

We shared five years together.

Always on the same side of the track.

We experienced the best moments of our careers.

I have a great deal of affection for Paula and her entire team.

Even today, confronting it remains a unique experience.

But we must learn to live with this new situation.

 Do you think you could reunite as a duo at the World Championship? 

Yes, it's entirely possible.

During the first matches of the World Cup, coaches often like to mix up the pairs.

This allows you to break out of the routine of the circuit a little.

It is therefore likely that we will play at least one match together.

I am certain that our close bond would still be there.

We know each other perfectly.

We almost instinctively know where the other person is going to play.

But before that, they will first have to be selected.

A lot can still happen between now and then.

I'm eagerly awaiting this list.

Representing Spain is always something very special.

Ari Sánchez: "Gemma Triay is the player who has helped me grow the most."
Ari Sánchez: "Gemma Triay is the player who has helped me grow the most."

 "Gemma Triay knows my game inside and out." 

 Which player gives you the most trouble in the diagonal today: Bea González or Gemma Triay? 

They are two completely different players.

But if I had to choose one, I would say Gemma Triay.

She is the player with whom I built my greatest rivalry.

We have been fighting each other for so many years.

We fought for the number one spot for a long time.

And especially…

She knows my game by heart.

 To what extent? 

Just watch our matches.

When I prepare my rollerShe's already anticipating it.

Even when I think I've executed it perfectly, she's already positioned against the glass to play a half-volley.

This shows how well she studied my game.

And on my end, I'm also working very hard to understand his.

Even today, when I train in Barcelona, ​​I often feel like I'm preparing for situations I'll encounter when facing her.

This is not to say that Bea is less strong.

Simply, with Gemma, this rivalry has lasted much longer.

And she helped me progress enormously.

Triay and Brea regain control against Sánchez / Ustero and reach the final in Bordeaux

 "Ale Salazar is the best player in history." 

 Alejandra Salazar will retire this year. What does she represent for you? 

I recently listened to his interview on the podcast World Padel.

She had some very touching words for me.

I immediately sent her a message to thank her.

When these compliments come from her…

This matters a great deal.

For me, Ale is simply the best player in history.

Because she won everything. For many, many years.

With several different partners.

That's what makes his career exceptional.

I was lucky enough to play two seasons alongside him.

I've always said it: these are the two years that have made me grow the most.

She took care of me like a little sister.

She taught me a great deal.

Ari Sánchez: "Gemma Triay is the player who has helped me grow the most."

 How do you feel seeing her still competitive today? 

Honestly, what she's achieving is incredible.

At his age, still playing at this level…

I don't think we'll see that again anytime soon.

Padel will suffer greatly from his departure.

She's a different player.

I will always be grateful to her.

Thanks to her, I became the player I am today.

On the day of his last match, I will be in the stands.

She is a very special person to me.

 "Andrea helps me grow as much as I help her grow." 

 The Bordeaux tournament marks almost the halfway point of the season. What's your assessment of these first few months with Andrea Ustero? 

Quite honestly…

I would give a rating of  8 or 8,5 out of 10 .

I am very satisfied.

This is a project that is helping me progress enormously.

 How is this association different? 

Because my role has completely changed.

In recent years, I did not have the same responsibilities.

Today, I also have to accompany Andrea.

And sometimes…

I forget that she's only 19 years old.

Ari Sánchez: "Gemma Triay is the player who has helped me grow the most."
Ari Sánchez: "Gemma Triay is the player who has helped me grow the most."

 Are you sometimes too demanding of her? 

Yes.

I am extremely demanding of myself.

And sometimes I'm a little too much with her too.

I need to learn to manage this better.

But ultimately, that's also what makes me grow as a person.

Not just as a player.

 How do you judge his progress? 

She has grown enormously.

She had started the season exceptionally well.

Then she went through a slightly more complicated period.

Today, she's back to an incredible level.

For my part, I also need to continue to improve.

Because if I play well, it also allows her to express the best version of herself.

I have to continue working.

I also need to learn how to help him more during certain important moments.

But I am very happy that I made this decision.

And I am convinced that we will continue to grow together.

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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