At only 24 years,  Arturo Coello has already won almost everything. On the occasion of the  Valladolid P2 The world number one, who played in his hometown, opened up in an interview with the Spanish daily newspaper.  The North of Castile He reflects on the very special nature of this event, his ambitions for the season and his constant desire to continue to progress despite an already exceptional track record.

 Valladolid, a unique tournament in his career 

Each year, returning to Valladolid evokes a special emotion for Arturo Coello. But the young Spaniard acknowledges that time has changed the way he experiences the event.

«  The stress has dissipated.  "It's a special tournament because I'm playing in my hometown and I can be with my parents," he confides. "The first time I stepped onto this track, it was something unique. Now, it's become more natural and I enjoy the tournament in a different way."

Playing in front of his home crowd remains a source of immense pride. For Coello, Valladolid P2 goes far beyond the realm of sports.

"This is excellent news for Spanish padel and for the city. Many people can come and see the best players in the world. The work done to bring padel to Valladolid is enormous, and I am very happy to be able to play here."

Valladolid P2: Coello and Tapia inherit the most challenging bracket

 "The most beautiful emotionally", but not the most important in sporting terms 

One might think that a title on home soil represents the ultimate goal of his season. Yet, the world number one clearly separates emotion from sporting considerations.

«  If I'm being honest, no  " he replies when asked if Valladolid is the tournament he dreams of winning the most.

"Today, the objective is clear:  to remain world number one The Majors award more points. However, from an emotional standpoint, Valladolid is certainly one of the most beautiful tournaments.

This quest for the top also influences his mental approach. Contrary to what one might imagine, Coello doesn't feel any more pressure playing in front of his home crowd.

“The points system forces us to perform well every week if we want to stay number one. That’s what puts the most pressure on me. Here in Valladolid, I mainly feel the support of the people. I’ve learned to enjoy this tournament. I won it on the Plaza Mayor, I also won it indoors. This year, I simply want to experience it differently.”

Valladolid crowns Coello as king after a masterful final alongside Tapia

 One obsession: to keep progressing 

Despite his impressive track record at only 24 years old, Arturo Coello believes he is still far from having reached his limits.

«  I still have many goals to achieve. Thankfully.  »

His priority is not just to collect trophies.

"My main goal is to improve every day, to avoid stagnating in my game or my personality. If that allows me to remain number one, all the better. If not, I will continue to work."

A philosophy that fuels his daily motivation.

"There are still so many things I haven't achieved in this sport. I'm young, my career is going very well, but I'm not satisfied with what I've already done. I want much more."

 "The character changes, not the person." 

When asked about the sacrifices required by the very highest level, Coello refuses to present himself as an extraordinary sportsman in his daily life.

“Many people get up very early to go to work, whether in an office or in the fields. It would be unfair to say that my life is harder than theirs. I'm simply doing the sport I love.”

The main sacrifice remains the separation from loved ones.

“Being away from my family is probably what I find most difficult. But it’s part of life, and the positive aspects are numerous.”

Finally, the world ranking leader believes that success has not profoundly changed who he is.

«  The person has remained the same. However, the character evolves.  With the growth of padel worldwide, we must adapt to the new responsibilities and demands of being a professional player.

In Valladolid, Arturo Coello will attempt to retain his title this week in front of his home crowd. A victory would have a special flavor, even if, as he himself points out,  the real target remains the world number one ranking .

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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