Franco Dal Bianco, the former A1 terror Padel, on the attack Premier Padel

Despite a defeat in the final of the FIP Silver of Narbonne face Mark Gonzalez et Martin abud 6/4 6/4, Franco Da Bianco leaves the south of France with plenty of reasons to be optimistic. In only their second tournament together, the Argentinian and Maximo Maldonado confirmed that they already formed a competitive pair.

After the final, Dal Bianco returned to Padel Magazine on this new association, the end of the A1 circuit Padel, his adaptation to the FIP circuit, his ambitions and the players who inspire him.

"This project with Maxi makes us want to continue."

Even before discussing the result of the final, Franco Dal Bianco prefers to focus on the journey undertaken throughout the week in Narbonne.

“I’m very satisfied. Of course, we always want more, but we just launched this project with Maxi. We haven’t known each other for very long, and I think we complement each other very well. Reaching the final in only our second tournament together makes us very happy and motivates us to continue.”

This satisfaction is all the more significant as this new pair is still in the construction phase.

“We train at the same academy. We’re starting to know each other well, we know what each of us has to do on the field, and that makes things a lot easier.”
Dal Bianco Maldonado at FIP Silver Narbonne

The end of A1 Padel, a new start

Long considered one of the benchmarks of the circuit A1 Padel Franco Dal Bianco had to start almost from scratch after the circuit disappeared.

A transition that is far from obvious.

“With Maxi Arce, we were at the very top of the circuit. Then everything stopped. We had to start again in the FIP tournaments with very few points. We were even forced to separate, because each of us had to try to build our own ranking.”

The Argentinian does not hide the fact that this period has been difficult.

“We were sad, obviously. We made a lot of sacrifices, training and traveling. Little by little, we managed to break into the world's Top 100.”
A1 Padel Master Final – Arce and Dal Bianco end their incredible season with a title!

"The FIP circuit is more competitive"

Despite this complicated transition, Dal Bianco does not regret his choice.

For him, the FIP circuit represents the highest level of density today.

“I prefer the FIP circuit. It’s very competitive. You face players from all over: Spaniards, French, Mexicans… The level is very even, and that’s what I like about it.”

Cape Premier Padel online view

If he strings together good results on the FIP circuit, the Argentinian knows that the hardest part is yet to come: establishing himself permanently on Premier Padel .

"We still need more points to regularly compete in qualifying. Then we'll have to keep improving. We've long raced on slower tracks. Today, the game is much faster and more dynamic. That's where we still need to take the next step."

Dal Bianco is convinced that this work will eventually pay off.

"We will continue to travel, play in the best tournaments possible, and improve."

Proud to see Maxi Arce explode

It's impossible to talk about Franco Dal Bianco without mentioning his former partner Maxi Maple who quickly established himself on the international circuit.

Far from feeling frustrated, the Argentinian is delighted with this success.

“I expected it. I’m very proud of him. He’s a very complete, very intense player. What he shows on the pitch reflects all the work he puts in every day. I’m convinced he’ll continue to improve.”
Arce and Dal Bianco on a mission: heading for Premier Padel after the end of the A1 circuit

Belasteguín, a source of inspiration

When asked which player impressed him the most, the answer is immediate: Fernando Belasteguín .

"He's my role model. He relied heavily on his intelligence. Even at 40, he was able to compete with the best like Coello or Tapia. He's a huge source of inspiration."

His Argentina is ideal for the world championships

When asked which players he would select to represent Argentina at the next World Championships, Franco Dal Bianco immediately named Agustín Tapia, Federico Chingotto, Martín Di Nenno, Franco Stupaczuk, Leo Augsburger, Maxi Arce, Juan Tello and Tino Libaak .

On a personal level, his ambition is also well defined.

"My goal is to continue climbing the rankings. I want to break into the world's Top 50 and play in as many tournaments as possible. But the most important thing is to stay healthy, keep training, and enjoy my family."

A finalist in Narbonne in only his second competition with Maximo Maldonado, Franco Dal Bianco has undoubtedly found the foundations of a project capable of supporting him in his quest for the world's Top 50… and, ultimately, the main draws of Premier 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!