Fabrice Pastor: "The APT can become the largest circuit in the world"

THEAmerican Padel Tour made a sensational entry into the world of padel. With nearly 350.000 people affected, it will be necessary to count on the APT from now on whose ambitions are great.

1^st part of the interview with Fabrice Pastor, the President of APT who looks back on this flawless start.

Second part of the interview: HERE.

The American Padel Tour, a circuit with a lot of ambitions?

We have created the most important circuit in America. And I think it could become even the largest in the world.

Our circuit does not oblige players to participate only in our circuit. Our circuit will not penalize anyone if players of the circuit wish to go to another tournament.

There are no restrictions, no fines for players. This circuit is similar to professional sports circuits that can be seen in tennis for example.

In the space of a few weeks, more than 350.000 people affected by the American padel Tour, more than 50 media who talked about it, more than 2000 people who participated in the Royal games Padel. We had an unimaginable start.

You seem to oppose the APT to the WPT in its design ...

The American Padel Tour is a circuit for players. It is not linked to a brand of beer for example. Imagine the problems this can pose in France or elsewhere. It is a brake on the development of our sport. Who can say the opposite?

We must diversify the partnerships and democratize the padel with at the center of our project: The players.

For example with our partner Aeroméxico which is the national airline of Mexico, all players on the circuit have 35% reduction on transport. This is a great first in the world of padel.

The APT in a very short time was applauded by many American countries. Ecuador and Panama will soon join us.

And the players responded. The proof with this first Master to launch the first edition of the APT in Mexico. A huge success that even exceeds our expectations. And that's just the beginning.

Next big meeting: Acapulco

Indeed, after Merida direction Acapulco in Mexico from February 24 to 1^er March. A very special Master since it will take place at the same time as the biggest Mexican tennis tournament: the ATP 500 in Acapulco.

The test of padel will take place on the same site as the tennis event.

In collaboration with the organizers, we will make sure that the tennis events do not take place during the padel.

These are 10.000 people a day who will come to see tennis, but also padel. We will have television, the press and of course the best tennis players in the world on site.

We are waiting on the grounds of padel Nadal, Wawrinka, kyrgios ...

520 press officers also meet at the ATP 500. Imagine the impact of such an event in the world of padel.

Georges Marsan, the mayor of Monaco will do us the honor of being present.

The level of play of the APT exceeds forecasts?

We have nuggets from padel worldwide at the APT. Players who are even part of the world's elite. And they chose to stay in America. Today, the APT offers them a professional circuit which is in full development. In 2021, we are preparing incredible things for you.

For the little anecdote, Bela or Paquito told me that fortunately these top players stayed in the countries, because there is a pool of players from padel exceptional in Latin America.

The players who play the APT are not always known to Europeans. These mainly Latin American players do not necessarily have the financial resources to play in Europe. The APT is a second chance for some, but for others, it is even a first choice.

The APT, ultimately wants to become a first choice for all professional players?

From the first year, we offer significant financial endowments that must also be put in perspective with the cost of living on site.

20.000 dollars in Europe is not the same value as 20.000 dollars in Latin America for example.

The idea is to allow these players from South America not to be far from their families and allow them to live from their passion and their professional activity.

Another interesting element: The tournaments of padel are grouped by region, by geographic area to make it easier for players.

In 2021, any new features are planned?

We could see new stages like in Las Vagas or in Philadelphia. Nothing is done, but we are working on it.

2021, it is also the implementation of a quality control on all the tests of padel of the circuit. Indeed, the events do not belong to the APT but to the owners of the events. I don't want the padel belongs only to an institution.

I will have 1 to 2 tests however.

We are also setting up refereeing training. The idea is to have competent and trained referees in American countries. Because the APT wants to play a role in developing padel amateur in the countries where it occurs.

And financially?

We are not going to stop there. From next year, I announce that the financial endowments will increase significantly, between 20% and 30% depending on the tests.

On the Open we will be above + 30% and the Masters + 20%.

And then, as in tennis, we are going to put in place for 2021 Grand Chelem. We should have 4 eventually. We will come back to it soon.

Second part of the interview HERE

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.