Jon Sanz: "Without the players, there is no tournament"

Present in Marbella for the Reserve Cup , Jon sanz confided in PadelAddict on his start to the season with Coki Nieto , its evolution since their first association in 2024, but also on the latest decisions taken by the FIP and Premier PadelThe Navarrese, today 11th in the world , calls for more listening and consideration for the players, in a circuit where sporting, economic and media demands are becoming increasingly important.

A pair that moves forward with confidence

Associated to Coki Nieto Jon Sanz is having a solid season. Several quarter-finals, a few semi-finals, a stable place at the top of the rankings: the Spanish pair is gradually establishing itself as one of the most consistent behind the top four associations on the circuit.

"Coki and I have a very good connection, not just on the track, but also off it. And for me, that's what matters most."

Sanz says he is satisfied with his start to the season, even though he knows that the next step remains difficult to take.

"We are happy, but the top four pairs are at a very high level. We need to keep working, gain confidence, and believe that the results will eventually come."

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More united than in 2024

Jon Sanz and Coki Nieto had already shared the track in 2024. But according to the Navarrese, the current version of their pairing is more accomplished, especially on a collective level.

He first notes his partner's progress.

"Coki is putting more and more pressure on the pitch. He has improved a lot at the net and is pushing forward more."

But the main difference lies elsewhere.

"We are more united than in 2024. We support each other more, we take better care of each other, we are more of a team."

For Sanz, this mental dimension can turn a season around.

"The best pairs almost always reach the semi-finals or finals. This gives a lot of confidence and allows you to approach matches differently."

The FIP, the rules, and the lack of communication

When asked about the recent changes announced by the FIP regarding the points system and the format of the brackets, Jon Sanz doesn't necessarily question the need for evolution. On the contrary, he believes the circuit must continue to develop its structure.

But he asks for one simple thing: that the players be consulted more.

"What I'm asking is that things be communicated to us, that we have a voice, that we can give our opinion. Very often, we're not even asked."

The player expresses this frustration not by seeking controversy, but with a certain firmness.

"We are all here to move padel forward. But sometimes we can't help because the communication between the different parties isn't good."

An ever-increasing schedule

Sanz doesn't necessarily want to get into the debate about the number of tournaments. But he points out a reality: players are playing more and more frequently.

Between Premier Padel , the tournaments FIP necessary to score points, and the exhibitions, the season becomes very busy.

"Instead of playing 21 tournaments, you sometimes end up playing 25. The workload is very high."

The Navarrese also emphasizes the working conditions surrounding the players.

"We need to take care of the teams, the players, both men and women. We come here to do our job. It's not right that obstacles are put in our way to manage our image or our well-being."

For him, the conclusion is obvious.

"Without the players, there is no tournament. You have to help us be at 100% and feel good wherever we go."

The Reserve Cup, an exhibition taken seriously

In Marbella, Jon Sanz competes in the Reserve Cup , an exhibition event, but with a real competitive and economic dimension.

The player fully accepts his presence.

"I'm here to win. I'm not here to mess around. When I step onto the track, I give it my all."

He also explains that these events play an important role in the financial balance of a career.

"One cannot live solely on Premier Padel"Except for the finalists and champions, because the prize money isn't that high. Our careers are short; we have to try to make the most of the years we can."

Sanz acknowledges, however, that if the gains on Premier Padel As the number of exhibitions increased, players might think twice before agreeing to so many displays.

"The body needs rest. If the income on Premier Padel were higher, perhaps instead of doing five exhibitions, we would do two.

The Reserve Cup will remain in Marbella until 2030

A world final with Paquito, Lebrón, Coello and Coki

In conclusion, Jon Sanz indulged in the exercise of imagining Spain's lineup for a possible World Championship final.

He does not give three complete pairs, but cites two associations that he would line up without hesitation.

The first one : Paquito Navarro / Juan Lebrón .

"These are two players who feel the jersey in a very special way."

The second : Coki Nieto / Arturo Coello .

"For me, this pair is a sure thing."

For the third partnership, Sanz leaves several options open, but refuses to rule out Ale Galán .

"Ale, I can't leave him out. It would all depend on how he feels at the time, his form, and whoever is in the best position to win."

This response perfectly sums up the Navarrese's vision: at the highest level, talent alone is not always enough. Confidence, mindset, and the ability to deliver on the day sometimes count as much as ranking.

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!