Martina Calvo is barely 16 years old, but she is already preparing to compete in a semi-final of Premier Padel, alongsideAranzazu Osoro. In 16 years and 329 days, the young Navarre player becomes the youngest in history to reach this stage on the circuit.

Interviewed by BRAND After this historic performance, she responds with disarming freshness and sincerity: “Today I'm in the semi-finals, but maybe next tournament I'll lose in the first round." she says straight away, without hiding anything. She knows where she's coming from, and how fast everything is going.

An invitation that changes everything

At the origin of this adventure, an unexpected call: “When Aranza called me, I couldn't believe it. He's not just anyone. I was going from previas to the main draw, so obviously there was more pressure.”

And yet, it never seems outdated.This is the craziest month of my life. Last night, I couldn't sleep. I was thinking, 'What if I win, what will I say in an interview?' I even dreamt about it!' she says, still in shock.

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From football to padel

Before experiencing this rapid rise, Martina dreamed of… football.I had more fun with a ball than with a pala. I played with the boys, but they didn't pass me the ball. Then I played with girls, but that was just for fun with friends." A few tournaments with Osasuna Later she drops: “They didn't let me play. I was useless!" she says, laughing.

So it will be padel. Since its 4 years, she hangs out in clubs while her parents take classes, and ends up getting into it seriously too. Today she is formed by Pablo Semprún, former world number 1, who notably played for Belasteguín.

Studies, discipline and ambition

Despite its performance on the slopes, Martina still lives in Pamplona, where she follows a normal school schedule in Première. "It's tough, but I've persevered. Combining training, studies, and travel... it's a sacrifice. But I want to continue learning. Later, I would like to do physiotherapy or podiatry. "

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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