Javier Barahona, currently 37rd player in the world, is part of the 17th pair of the main draw at the Greenweez Paris Major 2024, in the company of Teo Zapata. Born into a family of sportsmen, Javier was initially passionate about football before discovering padel, a sport in which he excels today. When we met at Madrid P2 and ASICS Summit, we had the opportunity to discuss his journey, his mental challenges, and his partnership with Teo Zapata, while also discussing how padel became a priority in his career.

You have an atypical background…

Javier Barahona : Absolutely, it's not a traditional path. I played football at a good level, in good teams, but I was a bit obsessed with the sport. My parents wanted me to change my surroundings a bit, to do something else. So I started playing padel with my brother. My older brother started participating in junior tournaments and was playing very well. So I started playing too, for fun.

I followed a very different path. Many players come from tennis or other racket sports, but for me it was football. Maybe that's why I have a slightly different style than other players.

A game a little different from other players?

Javier Barahona : Maybe, yes. Technically, my style is not as classic as that of other players. Since I started directly with padel, my approach to the game is a little different.

Javier Barahona: "The mental, the key to joining the best players in the world"

What do you lack today to be part of the world top?

Javier Barahona : I think it's mostly a mental issue. In terms of concentration, the best players are excellent. In terms of shots, we're all pretty close, but it's mental strength that often makes the difference. Physically, I'm in good shape, and I have good shots, but I need to improve my concentration to be more consistent.

So concentration is really a key element?

Javier Barahona : Yes, I think so. I've had matches where I could compete with anyone, but the challenge is to maintain that level over time. That's where mental work is important.

That’s interesting, because your partner Teo Zapata told me something similar. Do you work together on this mental aspect?

Javier Barahona : Yes, absolutely. Teo has a psychologist, and I have a psychologist too. We work a lot together on this aspect. The pressure is often very high, so it is important to manage all of this well to stay focused.

Javier Barahona: "The mental, the key to joining the best players in the world"

What types of exercises do you do to work on your mind?

Javier Barahona : It depends, but I have weekly sessions with my psychologist. It's like an extra shot to work, but for the head. We practice audio exercises, meditation, and we read specific routines to train mentally.

Do you see a concrete difference?

Javier Barahona : Yes, a lot. I have routines that allow me to stay focused during the match. Before, I would sometimes lose momentum after the first set. Now, with my routines, I know what to do to stay focused after each set.

Let's talk a little about your partner, Teo Zapata. The partner is essential on the court. How do you see the dynamics between partners in padel today?

Javier Barahona : Yes, the partner is very important. There have been a lot of changes in recent years. Ten years ago, pairs stayed together for one or two years. Today, people are more eager to win quickly, so they change more often. But for me, changing often is not a solution.

Do you tend to stay with your partners for a long time?

Javier Barahona : Yes, I have always played for a long time with my partners. With Juanlu, I played for 8 months, with Javi Garcia for 2 years, and with Teo, we've been playing together for 4 months. Unless a top player calls me, I don't see the point in changing.

Do you think you could stay with Teo for a long time?

Javier Barahona : Yes, as long as everything goes well, I will stay with him. Unless a top player calls me or Teo has an incredible opportunity, I don't think it is beneficial to change partners if it is to play with someone of a similar level.

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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