We met Mélissa Martin at Forest Hill in Marne-la-Coquette, during the tournament Head Tennis Padel Paris. Former member of the world top 100, today in the French Top 15, she was playing a P500 male, a deliberate choice that speaks volumes about his state of mind. Between intact passion, a critical look at the evolution of padel, and a desire to pass on his knowledge, she shares her journey and her convictions without filter.

“I hated it the first time I played.”

Love at first sight with padel was not immediate.
“The very first time I tried it was in Sophia-Antipolis, one-on-one during the holidays. And frankly… I hated it! I came from a tennis background, and I only saw the flaws.”

The turning point will come later, by chance, when she integrates Mouratoglou Academy alternately.
"There, I started playing doubles, with the right rules, the glass, the angles... And there, I understood. I loved it. It was more accessible, more fun, and less rigid than high-level tennis."

Melissa Martin smash padel

A career slowed down... but not stopped

Melissa quickly climbed the ladder: Top 10 France, Top 100 WPT, with in sight a Top 50 worldwide.
But one long covid abruptly stops this ascent.
"It took me a long time to recover, both physically and mentally. I had to return to Paris, take up a job on the side... and my professional projects naturally slowed down."

Today, at 34 years, she takes on a different ambition.
"I know I won't have a full career, but I'm giving myself one or two more seasons. If I'm physically fit and enjoying myself, I'll keep going. The Top 100? Why not. But I'm not putting pressure on myself anymore."

A player… but also a coach and a teacher

At the same time, Mélissa teaches padel at Aquaboulevard Paris.
“I give quite a few lessons. I support some students over time, like Richard Orlinsky, my partner here. I love this in-depth work, this relationship of trust.

It also touches on events, communication, organization.
“I’m exploring. I want to see padel differently, not just as a player. Maybe I’ll become a full-time coach… but there’s no rush.”

Melissa Martin disappointment sadness defeat padel bandol

Women's padel, a game too often misunderstood

Very committed to the promotion of women's padel, she makes a clear statement:
"We need to stop constantly comparing ourselves to men. Women's padel is more tactical, more thoughtful. There are fewer smashes, so you have to build on each point."

She even notes a certain enthusiasm:
"Many men tell me they prefer to watch girls: it's more readable, more educational. Obviously, some will say it's slow... but often, they're the ones who never watch."

Padel vs tennis: profound differences

Between padel and tennis, Mélissa notes several breakups.
"In tennis, you can train with men... until the serve comes into play. In padel, it's the same with smashes. Very quickly, it becomes unbalanced."

She also questions the evolution of men's padel.
"It's become hyper-physical. Sometimes it's just serve-smash-end of the point. It's effective, but is it still good padel? Not always."

Mélissa Martin doesn't try to embellish. She speaks the truth. She continues to play, to coach, to teach.
“As long as I have the desire, the legs, and I make a little progress… I’ll continue.”

And perhaps this is the real driving force behind his trajectory: a authentic passion, a desire to evolve, And a a valuable look at what women's padel can become.

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