The Spanish players  Marina Guinart  et  Victoria Iglesias  joined the family  Nox  this season. In an interview conducted by the team Nox, they share their feelings about this collaboration, look back on their preparation and discuss their objectives for the year.

 An intense pre-season, between fatigue and motivation 
After a grueling training session, both players said they were tired, but satisfied with the work accomplished.  “We’re exhausted, but we’re okay.” , says Marina, while Victoria adds humorously:  “We just gave you a good beating in training, but hey, you might not see it in the video.” 

They describe a preseason  tough and demanding , with intense morning and afternoon sessions.  “But it’s good, because we’re at home, and that changes everything.” , Victoria specifies.  “It helps us keep going.” 

Victoria Iglesias: their adventure with Nox
Victoria Iglesias: their adventure with Nox
Marina Guinart and Victoria Iglesias: their adventure with Nox and the top 8 in sight
Marina Guinart nox

 Arrival at Nox : an obvious choice 
For Marina and Victoria, join  Nox  represents a unique opportunity.  “Finding a brand that you feel good about is super important.” , explains Marina.  “And signing together, with the relationship we have, is even better.” 

Victoria agrees:  “It's a big family and a big brand. We're very happy to be a part of it.” 

In terms of equipment, both players chose the same racket, the  12K .  “It helps me with defense and control, while allowing me to be aggressive on offense.” , explains Marina. Victoria, amused, immediately validates her partner's words:  “If I say anything else, I'll get my fingers rapped.” 

 A final, challenging but memorable tournament 
They look back on a highlight of last season: their  victory in the last tournament of the year  : the FIP Finals in Bourg-en-Bresse. A moment that was both unforgettable and particularly trying.  “It was mentally hell.” , confides Victoria.  “I was completely burned out, at the end of my tether.” 

FIP Finals – Iglesias and Guinart champions, Collombon and Martinez collapse in the third set

This tournament was a succession of close matches, where they often took the lead before seeing their opponents come back.  “We won the first set, the second too sometimes, and then it always got more complicated.” , Marina remembers.  “It was stressful.” 

Victoria admits that at one point she totally  lost confidence .  “I couldn't take it anymore. I was like, 'How can we lose this?' I was negative about everything.”  Marina, for her part, knew how to remain calm:  “I didn't say anything. I just encouraged her and waited for her.” 

Finally, Victoria knew  Turn the situation around .  “I went to the bathroom, took a deep breath, drank some water, and re-energized myself. And from there, I started to really enjoy it.” 

 A strong relationship, but a certain independence is necessary 
The two players have learned to manage their relationship on and off the field.  “We know each other inside out, we know what the other is going to do.” , explains Marina.  “When she prepares her backhand, I'm already going up to the volley.” 

But they also want to preserve a certain  independence .  “If we trained together every day, we would suffocate each other.” , Marina admits. Victoria jokingly approves:  “Just imagining it gives me chills.” 

This distance allows them to maintain balance.  “We already spend the whole year together at tournaments.” , Victoria specifies.  “So a few days of separate training isn't so bad.” 

 The season's objectives: aim for the Top 8 
After a promising year where they finished  12th pair in the world , their ambition is now clear:  reach the Top 8 and qualify for the Master Final .

 “It’s a realistic goal. We know it will take work, but we’re ready.” , says Marina.  “Everyone wants to be number one, but it all depends on the level of sacrifice you are willing to make.” 

Victoria concludes optimistically:  “We've done a completely different prep this year. We want to be in the top 16 and go to the Masters. We're going to give it our all to get there.” 

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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