Criticism is mounting at Pretoria P1. Despite the use of a specific low-pressure ball, several players are complaining about playing conditions that have become too fast. Between frustration, forced adaptation, and questioning the evolution of the circuit, the debate is back on the table. 

Paquito Navarro: "There are no more exchanges"

The first outburst came from  Paquito Navarro At the change of ends, at the end of the first set of his round of 16 match against Álex Ruiz and Javi García, the Spaniard did not hide his annoyance.

"You can't even lob the ball, there's no rally. This padel is awful."

This statement illustrates the sentiment shared by several players since the beginning of the week. In Pretoria, the altitude naturally promotes a livelier ball and shorter rallies, to the point of profoundly transforming the game.

Pretoria P1: Paquito Navarro / Di Nenno trapped by altitude

A new ball… that doesn't convince

To try to limit the effects of altitude, Premier Padel et Bullpadel introduced a lower pressure ball specifically designed for this South African stage.

But according to many players and coaches, this adaptation is not enough.

The assessment is stark:  Even with this new ball, the problem remains. and many believe that modern padel has become  too fast over a large part of the calendar some argue that this now concerns  80 to 90% of tournaments .

Pretoria P1: A brand new ball will make its debut on the circuit Premier Padel

Coki Nieto: "We have to adapt"

Eliminated in the round of 16,  Coki Nieto  He reacted with more perspective on his social media. Known for his build-up play and patience in rallies, the Spaniard acknowledges that current conditions no longer necessarily favor his style.

"I've always had a very defined playing style, but padel is evolving and current conditions require continued progress. You have to adapt and keep working to compete with the best."

A more measured message, which shows that some players prefer to deal with this evolution rather than fight it, even if the observation remains the same: the playing conditions have profoundly changed.

Coki Nieto: “In a few years, I see myself playing on the right.” A development that would make sense?

A debate that goes beyond Pretoria

The Pretoria P1 tournament has only amplified a discussion that has been ongoing for several months, even years, on the circuit. Between faster tracks, newer balls, changing weather conditions, and ever-increasing physical demands, some players are lamenting the gradual disappearance of long rallies and build-up play.

Conversely, others believe that this evolution is simply part of the development of high-level padel and that players must adapt their game to these new requirements.

One thing is certain, the statements of Paquito Navarro, added to those of many other players in the circuit (Grabiel, Nieto…), show that the subject is far from being closed. Premier Padel will undoubtedly have to continue to think about solutions to preserve the balance between spectacle, tactical diversity and the identity of padel

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!

On the same subject

Tags