Winner of  Paredes' FIP Platinum  with  Maxi Maple ,  Juan Tello  He's got his smile back… but not just because of a new trophy. The  300 points  harvested in Portugal virtually put the Argentinian back in the race for  Barcelona Premier Finals , his main goal for the end of the season. In an interview given to Brand“El Gato” explains why he decided to change his strategy, even if it meant missing out on some tournaments. Premier Padel to go and collect points on the FIP circuit.

 A victory that changes a lot of things 

By dominating  Maxi Sánchez  et  Sanyo Gutiérrez  in the final of  Paredes' FIP Platinum Tello and Arce have won their first title together.

Beyond the trophy, the Argentinian is mainly focused on the consequences for the standings.

"The most important thing today is the points. We went to Portugal with the goal of winning and taking advantage of Maxi being in Europe to collect as many as possible. The circuit is very competitive and a Platinum score is very valuable. We needed it to get closer to the Race."

This victory allows them to get back in the running for qualification for the  First Finals , which will bring together the  16 best players of the season  in Barcelona.

1,302 days later, Juan Tello lifts another trophy, winning the FIP Platinum Paredes alongside Maxi Arce

 A pair that is taking shape 

After playing six tournaments together,  Juan Tello  believes that its association with  Maxi Maple  progressing in the right direction.

Álex Ruiz's former partner explains that adapting takes time, especially because he is now playing with a left-handed player.

"I need to change some of my automatic reflexes. Maxi's natural game is different from that of a right-handed player. The more time we spend together on the field, the more these habits disappear."

The fact that Arce stayed in Europe for several weeks is also a valuable advantage.

"We are taking advantage of this European tour to accumulate as many training hours as possible. All the tactical work we prepare then translates into action on the pitch."

The title won in Portugal also provides an extra dose of confidence.

"Winning always helps you lift your head a little and approach the next tournament with more serenity."

 Why Tello prefers a Gold FIP to Valladolid  ?

One of the most discussed decisions of the week concerns its schedule.

Alors que le  Valladolid P2  The match is practically being played at home for him, since he resides in Madrid, but Tello preferred to fly to the  FIP Gold of Ivory Coast  with Maxi Arce.

A purely strategic choice.

"My goal is to play in the Premier Finals at all costs. And to do that, you have to go and get points wherever they are."

For a long time, however, the Argentinian refused to go down onto the FIP circuit.

"I was probably the only one who never considered playing FIPs. But today, given the standings, I have to adapt. I don't really have a choice anymore."

He even regrets a system that pushes the best players to make this type of calculation.

"If you have a huge tournament Premier Padel"If you reach the quarter-finals after two tough matches, you only score 90 points. By winning a FIP Gold, you get 150."

A reality which, according to him, forces players to increase their travel.

"It's not ideal because it means less time with my family. But right now, I'm thinking about my ranking, my contracts, and everything that comes with being among the top sixteen players. If I have to play another FIP Gold or even a FIP Silver to achieve that, I will."

 Finding one's bearings again after many changes 

Before finding some stability with Maxi Arce, Juan Tello had numerous partners:  Álex Ruiz ,  Fernando Belasteguín ,  Inigo Jofre ,  Tino Libaak  or,  Martín Di Nenno .

A period that wasn't always easy to manage.

"There are bound to be times when you doubt your ability. But I've never lost confidence in my work."

The real challenge, according to him, lay in this constant succession of changes.

"When you constantly change partners, playing styles, or even coaches, you end up losing your bearings. You no longer really know how to play."

He thanks those around him, and in particular  Seba Nerone , for having been able to keep him on the right path.

“My team and my family have been essential. We continued to work on me rather than looking for solutions elsewhere. If you start to lose confidence in yourself, you enter a vicious cycle where you think the next partner will solve all your problems. It doesn't work that way.”

Today, he also explains that he draws inspiration from the energy of Maxi Arce.

"He has an enormous hunger, and that intensity is contagious."

 The World Cup is in the back of my mind 

Beyond the season on the circuit, Juan Tello hopes to rejoin the Argentine national team in the coming years.  World's Championships .

Having missed the last edition due to the birth of his second child, he makes no secret of his desire to return.

“I’m really hungry to play in this World Championship. I’m working to be more competitive and I’m thinking as much about the tour as about being selected. Maxi and I would both like to be part of that team. I hope we’ll achieve it, together or at least one of us.”

At 31, Juan Tello seems to have found his footing again. His goal is no longer just to compete with the best pairs, but also to secure his place among the top sixteen players of the season. And to achieve this, the Argentinian is now ready to go after points on every court on the tour.

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!

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