Jessica castello looks back on his experience at Roland Garros, where she discusses her career and her development since her beginnings with Alix Collombon, and the importance of his new collaboration with Alejandra Salazar, one of the most successful players on the circuit. She also talks about managing a busy schedule, challenges related to injury, and his goals for the end of the season with the World Championships in sight.

How did padel come into your life?

Jessica castello : I started playing the tennis at the age of five, and I played until I was about 18. Then I stopped competing, that's when I discovered the paddle. I started playing it with friends, just for fun, and it gradually seduced me. I started training gradually. So, in 2016, that's when I really started playing padel.

Castle Palace
Credit Premier Padel

In France, we knew you because you played with Alix Collombon. What has changed between the Jessica Castello of before and now?

Jessica castello : I think, compared to when I was playing with Alix, I became a much more player mature. I have progressed at the level tactic, technical and especially on the plan mental. I really took a step forward from before.

New partner, new goals…

Jessica castello : It's amazing. Playing with it Alejandra, it's an opportunity that few people have, and I think it's important to take advantage of it. It can bring me a lot in terms ofexperience and tactic on the field. Every day I try to learn from her so we can have the best possible results.

I really like her personality, both on and off the pitch. She is a really great person. On the pitch, her experience is incredible, she knows how to read the matches very well, and that helps me a lot. She also gives me good advice during matches. As a partner, she is a 10/10.

Alejandra Salazar castle
Credit Premier Padel

Do you remember a game of Alejandra? Something that struck you the first time you saw her play?

Jessica castello : To tell you the truth, I haven't played against her much, but I remember that when I started out, I often saw her playing the finals of the World Padel Tour. Today, it is really special to have him by my side as a partner.

We are already three quarters of the way through the season, the first with a single circuit...

Jessica castello : I think the tour has evolved a lot this year. The schedule is very busy, we have very few weeks off. It's hard to train because after this week we have a week off, but then we go on to eight consecutive weeks of tournaments. That creates a risk of injury because of the loads and the many trips. But we work as a team to arrive in the best possible condition. That said, I would like to have more weeks to train, but I'm happy.

I think it's important to have a good relationship with your partner, both on and off the field. Is that important to you too?

Jessica castello : Yes, I think everything counts. The more affinity and connection there is, the Trust us, the better. If the relationship is good off the field, it will also be felt during matches. Knowing your partner, having confidence in her, helps you play better together.

Franck Binisti

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.

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