In an interview conducted by ENERGY Padel withUniversal Padel Academy, the training center of the world number 1 in padel, Paula Josemaría, accompanied by her coach Claudio Gilardoni, we discover the approach of the coach, the player as well as the physical trainer.

Universal Padel Academy

THEtraining academy directed by Claudio Gilardoni, coach and director, alongside the Spanish player Paula Josemaría, is located at Villaitana, near Alicante, in the south of Spain. Offering an exceptional setting and an ideal climate, it welcomes many professional players such as Agustin Gutierrez.

We were already well established, but we wanted to feel something of our own. So, I thought: this is the right time. Let's be honest, the image of Paula and Agustín (Gutiérrez) is crucial in this project, as is that of everyone who contributes to the success of the academy. Each step has led us to the next. When I discovered this place, I of course asked Paula's opinion to see what she thought. It felt like we were in the middle of pre-season in sunny Cancún, even though we were in Spain! It's the first time in 24 years that I've experienced such a special pre-season here. And frankly, it's an incredible experience.

Claudio Gilardoni

Renowned coach in the world of professional padel, Claudio Gilardoni notably coached the pair Bela / Sanyo in its early days, as well as Agustín Tapia in 2022. He is best known for overseeing the world number 1, the Spanish Paula Josemaría et Ari Sánchez, with whom he won 23 tracks on the World Padel Tour et 12 tracks on the circuit Premier Padelincluding 10 trophies last season, crowned by a victory at the Barcelona Final Master.

He notably played alongside Gustavo Pratto, a renowned coach in world padel, who currently supervises world number 1s Arturo Coello et Agustín Tapia, while running a padel academy in Valladolid.

I was lucky enough to work 14-15 years old with Gustavo, which allowed me to question myself and evolve. Then, I had the chance to collaborate with players like Sanyo Gutiérrez, Belasteguín, Juan Martín, Tapia…And today, Agustín Gutiérrez et Paula trusted me.

Over time, I have come to understand that these players, although extraordinary, are normal people who adopt a exceptional approach on a daily basis. Their way of thinking is different, and that's what I try to analyze and teach.

A coach who places particular importance on mental preparation of his players, considering this aspect as a key element of performance.

We work a lot on the mental preparation on the ground, and I try to transmit structured methods in them adapting to each player. I am still learning by studying the psychology and pedagogy.

Paula Josemaria

The world number one, originally from Moraleja in Spain, followed his coach Claudio Gilardoni to train, especially in pre-season at theUniversal Padel Academy. Previously, she trained in Valladolid, in the academy of Gustavo Pratto, a recognized coach on the professional circuit (Gustavo Pratto Academy). She subsequently joined her current coach, Claudio Gilardoni, Ferrero Tennis Academy, situated at Villena, near Alicante, before finding himself in his new academy.

I spent many years to train with Gustavo, whom I really like. That's where I met Claudio, who was working with him at the time. Then they went their separate ways, but I already had a good relationship with Claudio. A year after he moved to Villena, near Alicante, I started thinking about a change. What I like about Claudio, it's his total commitment to the players. He doesn't just work on the tactical aspect – which is very important for me – but he also places a particular emphasis on the mental aspect, which is increasingly essential.

I said to myself: “Why not try?”. So I decided to join Universal Padel Academy, and it was a decision very judicious.

The Spanish player benefits throughout the season from the support of a physical trainer who is part of the academy of Claudio Gilardoni. Ezekiel, an Argentinian fitness trainer with 8 years of experience, moved to Spain 3 years ago and started working with the player a year ago.

I travel regularly with Paula, and the objective is to accompany him on a maximum of tournaments to optimize its preparation. I apply the same methods to all players. Even if I am more present with Paula during the season, I try that all benefit from the same level of training.

Nicolas Fillaudeau

A big sports enthusiast and former tennis player, I discovered padel a few years ago without really focusing on it. Then I became addicted to this sport by practicing it and watching the premier padel matches. Looking forward to sharing the 2025 news with you!

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