Marcelo Capitani is still No. 1 in the Italian ranking. At 47, italo-argentinian reveals the secrets of his longevity and tells us about the evolution of international padel. 

Congratulations to the Belgians

 Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: What is the secret of your longevity in international padel? 

 Marcelo Capitani:  “I take care of myself, especially with training. I have never had a major injury, so I can still say at 47 that I enjoy padel. The fact that I am number 1 also depends on who plays the tournaments on the Italian circuit. However, all this is possible thanks to my teammates. In Italy, the level of play is increasing because more and more people are playing padel.”

 Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: Let's talk about the World Cup. This was not the expected result with in particular the defeat against Belgium. You finally finish 9th. 

 Marcelo Capitani: "Yes. Above all, I would like to congratulate the Belgian players (Peeters/Geens) who beat us well on the pitch. Their level is very high. They also beat Scatena and Bergeron. We did not expect to lose this confrontation, and it was a disappointment. But come to think of it, that's sport. We could have passed and played the quarters, but that was not the case. The team was able to react to then take 9th place.”

Triggiano 23 April 2022 Slam Padel by Mini 2022 Marcelo Capitani and Denis Tomas Perino Foto Giampiero Sposito

Copy the tennis model

 Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: This World Cup is the first so balanced between nations. We also see it with the 9th Italian place. What do you think ? 

 Marcelo Capitani:  "I agree with you. All teams present players who play on a circuit. The fact that the International Federation organizes so many tournaments around the world is very positive. Obviously, Argentina and Spain are still well above but this gap has been reduced. There are teams not playing the best places in the ranking who have managed to make very good matches.

 Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: This year is historic for padel with tournaments in emblematic places like Roland Garros or the Foro Italico. What is your point of view on this situation, you who have been in padel for so many years? 

 Marcelo Capitani:  “All of us with our actions help the development of padel, but I think that this International Federation is making sure that padel reaches emblematic places. Roland-Garros, Egypt… and why not reach Wimbledon? Copying the way tennis works and adapting it to padel is very positive. I think that the Federation is doing a great job, especially with Luigi Carraro. It would be good if this development continues with all the forces pulling in the same direction. In this way, we can be an Olympic sport.”

Unite and walk together

 Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: Do you think it would be possible to see a union between Premier Padel et World Padel Tour ? 

 Marcelo Capitani:  “I would like with all my heart for these people to unite for the good of padel. We are already seeing exponential growth in all countries of the world. The fact that everyone unites to grow together is the best way to develop padel.”

 Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: What message can we send to young people who want to embark on a professional career? 

 Marcelo Capitani:  “Now anything is possible. Young people must continue their studies because this will necessarily give them a plus. The professional career can develop at the same time as studies, and this is proven. I will tell them to keep regularity and consistency. Defeats and disappointments are part of the journey, and the important thing is to get up."

From his names, we can guess his Spanish and Italian origins. Lorenzo is a multilingual passionate about sports: journalism by vocation and events by worship are his two legs. He is the international gentleman of Padel Magazine. You will often see him at various international competitions, but also at major French events. @eyeofpadel on Instagram to see his best padel photos!

On the same subject

Tags