At the highest level, the difference isn't always made by technique. All the players in the final four of tournaments have a solid background, a complete range of shots, and know how to build a point. But when rallies get tense, legs are burning, and breaks are coming thick and fast... it's no longer the arm that makes the difference. This is the head.

This weekend again, the Santiago P1 offered us two brilliant demonstrations of this.

In the women's category: Ariana and Paula, queens of resilience

Opposed to Bea González and Claudia Fernández in the semi-finals, Ariana Sánchez and Paula Josemaría, world number 1, take a first severe set (2/6)Facing them, a young, aggressive, inspired pair, who chained winning points and imposed their rhythm. But despite the difficulties, Ariana and Paula don't crackThey remain calm, change their game plan, agree to defend more and to wait, to better restart.

result: they snatch the second set 6/3, then dominate the third 6/3. A victory of champions, built not with winning smashes, but with a cool head and determination.

In the men's category: the awakening of Lebrón and Stupaczuk

Same scenario, on the men's side. Juan Lebrón and Franco Stupaczuk are battered in their semi-final against a fiery pair: Tino Libaak and Juan TelloThe outsiders win the first set. 6/3, carried by an exceptional Tello smash and great tactical accuracy. But after losing this first set, Stupaczuk and Lebrón don't panic. They increase their intensity, freeze Tello, target Libaak (physically diminished), and unfold their plan.

They pocket the next two sets 6 / 3 6 / 1, showing all their mental strength. As is often the case, They made the difference when it really mattered.

Champions aren't just better. They're stronger.

In both cases, victory was not written. But experience, pressure management, and the ability to bounce back weighed heavily. When some explode, others rise. When points become crucial, it is always the same ones who respond.

And this steely mentality often goes hand in hand with a fundamental fact: regularity. If we look at the statistics, The most successful players on the tour are also the most consistent : fewer unforced errors, more winning points in key moments, better management of break points... This ability to maintain a high level over time is often what makes all the difference between a “very good” player and a elite player.

That's what the highest level is: a state of mind. A mentality. And consistency.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

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