Cristian Gutiérrez, Alias Sanyito, follows a very different trajectory in 2025. See you soon 35 years, the Argentinian has decided to turn the page on Premier Padel to sign a contract two years with A1 Padel. A choice that reflects the evolution of the professional circuit, but also its own ambitions for the coming years.

Installed at the 85th place in the FIP ranking, he now wants to access the final stages tournaments A1 and maximize his level of play. He will partner with the Spaniard Miguel Gonzalez (87th FIP) and hopes to perform quickly. In an interview for BRAND, he explains in detail the raisons of his change of direction and returns to the crisis current between players and Premier Padel.

A two-year commitment, but not a closed door Premier Padel

With his new contract at A1 Padel, Gutierrez and his teammate will have to play at least 60% of Open tournaments as well as all of the Master and Grand Master of the circuit. This does not mean, however, that he is drawing a definitive line under Premier Padel or the circuit FIP.

“We will respect these commitments, but we will also go and play certain tournaments Premier Padel ou FIP, depending on our availability and the calendar. "

Moreover, the Argentinian has already participated in the Riyadh P1 next to Gonzalo Alfonso (number 1 of A1 Padel in 2024. ). An opportunity for him to return to a high level of play and enjoy the experience of playing with the Argentine champion.

“I was without a partner after signing with A1, but I wanted to play this tournament. Gonza also… And honestly, it was a great experience. If we all played with his freedom and fluidity, we would be much better off. He makes the complicated seem simple.”

A departure motivated by the format of Premier Padel

The choice of Gutierrez is not trivial. For several weeks, the tension climb between the players et Premier Padel, particularly because of the reduction of tables main and rule changes affecting players outside top 20.

“I signed for two reasons. First, every day, Prime minister Padel becomes more complicated to play. Then the new format does not at all favor the players who are behind in the ranking. "

He points out several aspects that made him take a step back:

  • la reduction of the main table, which limits opportunities for players outside the top 20
  • opportunities, changes in conditions regarding hotels and financial support for the qualified
  • un level of play which always becomes more Listener, making the progression even more difficult

“I felt that it was the moment to move on, that my phase at Premier Padel was over. And then, obviously, age plays too.”

“Why can’t a padel player be free?”

Gutierrez defends the idea of ​​a more circuit open, where players would not be forced to choose just one circuit. He would like the profession evolves towards more flexibility.

“It would be nice if the players be free, especially those who are not in the world top. With the qualification bonuses, it is impossible to live by only playing Premier Padel. So why couldn't I look for some but also elsewhere like any worker ? "

He compares his situation to that of others business.

"A carpenter goes to a client, does a job, then goes somewhere else to do another project. Why does a padel player couldn't he do the same? I hope that one day we will really be free. "

The boycott of the P2 of Gijón and its consequences

When Gutierrez was playing Riyadh with Alfonso, the circuit Premier Padel was shaken by a massive boycott of the tournament P2 of Gijón. All the top 100 players refused to register to protest against the new rules of the circuit.

He fully supports this movement.

“I'm glad we decided to mobilize. This is an action for the carefully of all players.”

But he regrets that some have chosen to enjoy by registering to benefit from a better ranking.

“Unfortunately, some have benefited of the situation. I could do the same: I leave Prime minister Padel, so I could tell myself that it no longer concerns me and that I can benefit. But we first think of the good padel. If this mobilization to a impact in the years to come, then we will have been right.”

According to him, this movement could be a turning if the players of the top 20 continue to put pressure.

“If the best of the personalised tour continue to fight for everybody, so maybe some things will change. I don't want the players run the circuit, but at least they can give their opinion and that we find some compromise. "

An ambitious 2025… and a nod to his uncle, Sanyo

Despite its almost 35 years, Gutierrez does not intend to take his foot off the gas. His goal is clear: to make oneself a place among the best A1 players Padel and chain the performances.

And speaking of experienced players… he mentions a possible return of his uncle, Sanyo Gutiérrez, on the circuit A1 in the future.

“I see well Sanyo come play in A1 in a few years, maybe when he starts to lose a little more. One day there might be a Gutierrez-Gutiérrez on the circuit. It would be magnificent. "

A player in search of stability

Cristian Gutiérrez start a new chapter of his career, with the desire to Shine on A1 Padel, while continuing to occasionally play tournaments Premier Padel et FIP.

His speech illustrates well the discomfort which grows in many players, between decisions of Premier Padel and the search for a economic model viable for all.

Le debate is far from over, but in the meantime, Gutierrez wants to beat on the field and prove that he still has some beautiful years behind him.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

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