Claudia fernandez, 18 years old, world number 4, is preparing to play his second Roland Garros, this time as seed 2 with Gemma Triay A true revelation of this season, the Madrilenian has earned everyone's respect thanks to her precise play and her determination in all circumstances.

As part of this third edition of the Greenweez Paris Major, Claudia Fernandez looked back on her season and her personal development over the past year.

At the beginning of the season, you had a project with Lorena Rufo and then there was the call from Gemma Triay. Did you imagine that this could happen?

It's true that I worked a lot and I was really hoping that a top ranked player would call me, but I didn't think it would happen so quickly. You could say it took me a little by surprise.

Afterwards, I am very happy since the beginning with her and that she believed in me because, at the very beginning, no one knew me. I am delighted with the path that the project that we have together is taking… and we always want more.

Gemma Triay with Claudia Fernandez!

Paris is going to be a special tournament since it is a Major, the only title you are missing with Gemma… I imagine that you will enter the track with a lot of determination and desire…

This tournament is very special and we will enter the track with a lot of determination. In addition, this year, I will play this Major with Gemma so I am really happy that we can play it together and enjoy it together.

Also, the facilities here in Paris are absolutely incredible. So we will enter the track with as much determination as we have for make the best tournament possible !

This season it's: three P2s, one P1 and a selection in the national team. Can we say that everything is going well for you?

I didn't know if I would be called up for selection or not because I am very young. I didn't know if they would take the bet and take me or not.. In the end, they called me and I couldn't be happier.

As for the rest of the season, we won four tournaments and we are really happy with our results. In every match we play, we are improving a little more. Compared to the beginning of the season, I help my partner much more on the track, I also cover more ground…

What is your relationship with Gemma Triay?

Off the track, Gemma and I get along really well. We still have a significant age difference but we get along well. The truth is, It's just that I have a hard time believing the team I have...

On the track, we have a very good understanding too. She pushes me when I need to be pushed a little. We support each other because if there is no support in a team, it is difficult.

Claudia Fernandez Gemma Triay Madrid P1

Is it difficult for you to play with a legend of women's padel?

It's sometimes difficult to play with a player like Gemma indeed. I'm very shy by nature, very quiet. When you find yourself playing a lot of semi-finals and finals, there's a lot of pressure, I'm often nervous. Sometimes it's a little hard to bear.

However, the team supports me every day, with a psychologist who is very important especially where I am at the moment. I am still a little reserved, a little shy but I feel like my character is coming out more and more.

We met in Doha, then in Bordeaux. Each time, you were very touched because of the victories or even your media coverage, which is new for you. Do you receive help from a mental trainer, your family or your teammate?

I talk to the psychologist every week. He helps me a lot because in the end all these emotions are difficult to manage when you are young. You need someone who… explains to you, in the end.

I also get a lot of support from my mother. Having my family by my side, my psychologist, Gaby Reca et Rodrigo Ovide, it brings me a lot of peace.

Today, we all know that you are capable of doing great things. What would be your ultimate dream?

My dream would be to be world number 1. One of my dreams was also to play in the World Cup, so with their call, I know that it will come true. Especially since I am very proud to be able to represent my country.

Which player scares you the most on the track?

The player who “scares” me the most on the track is Paulita Josemaria. She is a player with a lot of explosiveness, very dangerous. It took me years to be able to counter her shots so without hesitation Paula.

Which player would you dream of sharing the track with?

Gemma was one of the players I dreamed of playing with. She is a fantastic player who was world number 1 for years. After that, there would also be Ariana Sanchez, who plays extremely well… and who is world number 1! Bea Gonzalez also !

The truth is that they are all great players. Afterwards, I'm really good with Gemma so I'd really like to continue with her.

In the end, what are the differences between the Claudia Fernandez of today and that of last year?

I feel very different compared to last year, especially mentally. I feel much more mature. On the track, I understand things more clearly. I have a team that helps me with all that.

Physically, I have changed too. I feel stronger. So, all these aspects have changed and I feel much stronger than last year.

To watch the full interview, click here:

Gwenaelle Souyri

It was her brother who one day told her to accompany him to a padel court, since then, Gwenaëlle has never left the court. Except when it comes to going to watch the retransmission of Padel Magazine, World Padel Tour… or Premier Padel…or the French Championships. In short, she is a fan of this sport.

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