On the occasion of Greenweez Paris Major 2024, the pair Franco Stupaczuk et Miguel Yanguas, seeded number 4, looks back on the first year of a single circuit, their adaptation to calendar and the management of trips. They also share their relationship on and off the field, the importance ofbalanced between sporting and personal life, as well as their passion for the Football.
Premier Padel begins to structure its calendar
franc : We are already three quarters of the way through the season. This is a first year for Premier Padel. There is no longer the World Padel Tour. This unique circuit is a good thing.
Yanguas : Physically, the travel, fewer tournaments, but there are also lessons to be learned. It is true that this year is the first time that there is only one circuit. The previous seasons were very tough, because we practically had to play in two different circuits, with separate rankings, which meant a lot of traveling.
But we are starting to structure the calendar a little better. We hope that it will become simpler over time, by almost always competing in similar conditions, regardless of the country.
All the times Stupa beat me
Yanguas : Well, separately, I would say it's all the times when franc beat me, since the beginning of the year (laughs). There was a good moment in a tournament in Marbella, I think. He was playing the qualifiers and came to have a coffee with us one day after entering the main draw. We chatted like nothing had happened.
Yanguas : Well, before you play with it franc, he was with Martin Di Nenno for a long time. We had a good relationship. I am very intense on a daily basis, I am quite nervous, I like to do lots of things. franc, he is very quiet, he likes to train and stay at home. We are different, but I think that helps us too. Little by little, as I said, we are getting to know each other and we are improving.
Chingalan / Coello-Tapia…
franc : It sets the bar very high. When you get to the semi-final against them, you have to be at 100%. Maybe personally it's harder for me, because last year I was fighting for the number 1 spot and today I'm further away. But hey, every time you have the opportunity, you have to fight.
Yanguas : we are fans of the Real Madrid, and he is a supporter of Rivers in Argentina. We like to talk a lot about sports, football, and we laugh a lot together.
Even when we go out to dinner, we always take the tablet. Whether it's Franco's iPad or mine, we always watch the games.
Balance between partners
Stupa : I think you shouldn't force the relationship too much outside of padel. You have to find a balance. Sometimes we have team evenings, with our coaches, but everyone also needs time with their family to rest.
In a week we will be rivals
Yanguas : Yes, that's true. There is one week in the year when we will be rivals. I hope that if we reach the final, I will not have to face franc (laughs). Playing in Doha will be a wonderful week. I hope that spain will win…
And Bela…
Stupa : It's the coaches who decide. As long as I'm selected, I'm happy.
The debate of Spanish players competing for other nations…
Stupa : Well, it is allowed by the rules. It also happens in football. Argentinian players play for Italy, for example. As long as the rules allow it, it can happen. It is the evolution of the sport, and padel, which is in full development, may have to adapt.
Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.