Capitani in private: All for young people

Meeting with Marcelo Capitani, player of padel of the Italian team. A veteran player who mobilizes young players for the future of padel across his country, his continent and across the world. Exclusive meeting Padel Magazine with this great player.

Marcelo Capitani, WPT player pointing to the 330 places but having been a regular at the major meetings of the WPT gives us an interview during these European Championships to tell us about what he knows best ...

Padel Magazine : How is the padel today in Italy?

Marcelo Capitani: I arrived in Italy 3 years ago now (Argentinian origins). At that time there were 100 ski runs in the unique city of Rome. padel. Today we have more than 800 in Rome alone, 45% of the total number of trails in the territory. An incredible increase and promotion in recent years to reach more than 1500 tracks in Italy. Coming from Argentina, I notice a lot of similarities with the beginnings of padel in Argentina and Spain, let it last. We are fortunate to have the support of the Italian Tennis Federation. I think the future of padel also goes through these tennis federations which have experience.

PM: What is the current level of Italian players?

MC: Currently we have several players who regularly play WPT tournaments. Two of us live in Spain and come to Italy from time to time. On the other hand, the majority live in Italy and travel as soon as possible to Spain or elsewhere to participate in these tournaments and highlight the padel Italian.

PM: How many Italian teams are involved in this European Championship?

MC: Apart from the national team which is entered in both men's and women's categories, we have, in the men's Open tournament, 16 pairs entered. Among the girls, we have a little fewer teams but all the same great teams that I am proud to represent. I'm also happy to see teams like Russia taking part in this competition. First time for them, a long journey, but above all a great desire to progress.

I would like to emphasize the support and closeness of the President of the International Federation of Padel Luigi Carraro.

PM: What are your goals on this tournament?

MC: With all due respect for all the other teams present, I think that at the level of the national teams and because of the absence of nations like Spain and Portugal, we will see a final between Italy and France because most are professional players. There may be surprises but as much as we are aware of French pairs, we will have choices to make, because of course there are players from the World Padel Tour, but there are also differences between the players in our group and it will therefore be necessary to find the best combination to pass. In all fairness, and after our meeting played 2 years ago, taking into account the improvement of all these players, I give a 50/50.

In the Open part, the presence of Spanish players will certainly make the difference. I give Moreno-Rubio as favorites but I also put Tamame-Britos as the probable winners of the Open.

PM: Let's talk about the promotion of padel Italy

MC: Currently we have several magazines, both print and internet, which distribute more and more on the padel. A well-functioning web page is padelnostro. In the field, padelmania organizes very interesting championships with masters in the end. The Italian Federation of Padel really helps a lot in the development of this sport and it is important to note his involvement during these European Championships. The year 2020 will see the appearance of a new championship in Italy, that of young people (I am happy because I will be in charge).

PM: What are the big tournaments in Italy?

MC: There is a Grand Slam that features 6 steps and a Master. This tournament is open to everyone knowing that teams must be trained at least one Italian. Several FIP Tour including I have a crush for that of Milan at Gustavo Spector. Finally, the WPT. Maybe next year ?

PM : A little anecdote about the Italian team before we leave?

MC: Yes 2 years ago we left the hotel by bus to the venue of the tournament, a little rushed, with delay as usual (Laughter). When we arrived, we were missing a player, Enrique Burzi. Fortunately, he took a taxi and joined us just in time because his time in the bathroom could have cost us the victory. To make up for his delay, it was he who gave us the match point.

PM: A big thank you Marcelo for this interview

MC: Thanks to PM for your work here in Rome and for the padel international.

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.