Present during the  Bomba Experience organized by Tecnifibre , the Argentinian  Luciano Capra ,  94rd player in the world He spoke candidly about his career, the economic realities of the circuit, his return after injury, and his very clear-sighted view of the evolution of padel. A rich, comprehensive, and straightforward interview.

No, my name is not Lucho!

 Why does everyone call you “Lucho”? 

Because in Argentina, that's how it is. Lucianos become Luchos, sometimes even Luis. It's very common. Like in Spain with Paco for Francisco. But what's funny is that in Europe, especially in Italy, many people think Lucho is my real first name.

In Italy, “Lucho” sounds like “Lucio,” which is a given name. So they think my name is Lucio and call me Lucho because of that. But in reality, it’s just a typical Argentinian nickname.

 Your story with padel is different from many other players… 

Yes, because often players come from tennis or a family club. In my case, it's a bit of both, but with a unique story.

My father played tennis, then in the 90s he took up padel. My parents even had a club when I was very young, 2 or 3 years old. There are photos of me there.

But then, when padel declined in Argentina, they closed the club. So I grew up without any padel infrastructure.

I started playing tennis around the age of 5. Then around 10 or 11, I started playing padel, but only for fun. And I kept asking my parents to let me play more.

At that time, padel was declining in Argentina. But there was a small school run by  Marcelo Lupo who sadly passed away recently. I will always keep him in my heart. He taught me the basics. I am extremely grateful to him.

It's also where I built a very strong group of friends. And that played a huge part in my decision to continue: the enjoyment and the human connections.

Lucho Capra: “Today, padel is becoming a sport where, without resources, you can be left on the sidelines.”

You have to be lucky to have parents who can help you…

 When did you realize that this could become your life? 

It worked well for me very early on. I had a tennis foundation.

At 13, I started playing in youth tournaments to qualify for the world championships. That year, we finished as the number 1 pair in Argentina, so we qualified.

The 2007 World Championship was a pivotal moment. I was 13 or 14 years old. It was the first time I'd seen players from other countries. It opened my eyes. I realized that padel existed elsewhere.

It was a before and after. I loved the experience, discovering other cultures, other players. From then on, I wanted to make it my life.

 Was going to Spain at 18 a given? 

Yes, but it wasn't easy. I was lucky to have parents who could help me.

In Argentina, at 18, people often give me a car. My parents let me choose: the car or go to Spain with their financial support.

I chose Spain. They financed me at the beginning. Then, gradually, I started to self-finance, until becoming independent around 2015.

Lucho Capra: “Today, padel is becoming a sport where, without resources, you can be left on the sidelines.”

Sport is growing, but it costs even more.

 You've raced on several circuits: what do you take away from this evolution? 

I knew the  Padel Per tour , Then the  World Padel Tour , and now the current circuit.

Padel is constantly evolving. Very quickly. Perhaps too quickly even.

Today, we are in a phase where the sport is growing enormously internationally. But earnings don't necessarily keep pace with this growth, especially for players outside the top ranks.

Previously, the winnings were lower, but so were the costs. 80 to 90% of the tournaments were in Spain. We shared cars and expenses.

Today, you travel all over the world. Costs skyrocket: flights, hotels, staff, physical training…

 So getting into the system is more complicated today? 

Much more. The initial investment is enormous.

Yes, winnings have increased. But expenses have increased even more. And above all, the money of the best players doesn't come solely from tournaments.

It comes from sponsors, exhibitions, events. So the gap is widening enormously.

Previously, there was less difference between a top player and an average player. Today, the  gap  (the gap) is much larger.

For the best, they may not have to work anymore after their career

 Are you talking about a sport that's becoming elitist? 

Yes. If you don't have the means — family or sponsors — you can remain on the sidelines, even with talent.

It's a reality.

And at the same time, for those who reach the top, the future is much brighter. Today, a top player can consider retiring after their career.

That wasn't the case before.

 What ranking level is needed to make a living from padel today? 

I would say that some players around the  top 70-80  They can make a living from it, but by doing something else on the side.

To live solely off the main circuit, you have to be in the  top 30 .

But there are more opportunities today: exhibitions, parallel circuits, events like the  PPL tournaments in Russia…

These are not competing circuits like before with A1, but complementary activities.

 But we still have to stay on the main circuit? 

Yes, because these opportunities are looking for highly ranked players. So you're always dependent on the main tour.

My priority: to be healthy

 You are currently going through a difficult period after your injury… 

Yes, I was sidelined for 6 months. And in the current system, you have to count 22 tournaments.

Today, I count 10 or 12. So I still have a lot of points to collect.

Even if I only get average results, I'll bounce back.

Therefore, my current ranking does not reflect my true level.

But honestly, it's not my priority.

Lucho Capra: “Today, padel is becoming a sport where, without resources, you can be left on the sidelines.”

 What is your priority? 

Être  in bonne santé to get back to my level, to feel competitive.

If I'm feeling good, I know I can beat anyone. And that's what motivates me.

 Is managing partners difficult during these periods? 

Yes and no. That's the reality of padel.

When I got injured, I was playing with Juanlu Esbrí. I immediately told him to find someone else.

It's normal.

The ranking is individual. If you don't play, you drop. And you deserve your ranking.

 But mentally, it's not easy… 

No, because you also depend on your partner.

But in the end, everyone gets the partner they deserve at some point.

If you play well, better players will call you.

 You give the example of Aimar Goñi… 

Yes, I played with him. I knew he would soon be called up by higher-ranked players.

He has enormous potential.

And that makes sense. I'm 32, he's 20. We're not at the same stage of life.

Long careers will become increasingly difficult

 Is it still possible to have long careers today? 

I think it will become increasingly rare.

Previously, players like  Miguel Lamperti ,  Belasteguín , or others played until they were 40-45 years old.

Today, with the level of young people, the physical demands, the travel… it's much harder.

 Is it relevant to compare generations? 

No, that's unfair.

Padel has evolved so much in 10-15 years that it's not comparable.

Today,  Agustín Tapia  et  Arturo Coello  have a higher level, but thanks to the overall evolution of the sport.

In 20 years, others will be even better.

 Did you face Belasteguín and Juan Martín together? 

No, never together. Separately yes, but never as a pair.

But in their time, their level was absolutely insane.

Like Tapia and Coello today.

Every era has its references.

No matter who you are, you say yes to LeBron

 Are Tapia/Coello unbeatable? 

If they are at their best, they are very difficult to beat.

Physically, they have a huge advantage.

But players like Chingotto and Galán are doing an incredible job to compete, especially mentally.

 What is your goal for the end of the season? 

No ranking objective.

It's a transition year after the injury.

My goal is to feel good, competitive, and get back to my previous level.

 Last question: what if Juan Lebrón calls you tomorrow? 

Si  Juan Lebrón  He calls you, you say yes.

It doesn't matter who you are, except maybe the first two pairs.

He is an exceptional player.

Yes, it can be complicated to manage. But if you are intelligent and mentally prepared, the level it brings you is unique.

It's up to you to adapt.

As did  Belasteguín  with Juan Martín Díaz for years.

If you can handle pressure, this is an opportunity you can't refuse.

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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