Mike Yanguas is one of the most promising young players on the professional circuit. After a 2024 season in which he established himself as one of the best right-handers on the circuit, he approaches 2025 with great ambition alongside Coki Nieto, his new partner.

In an interview for Padel Addict, the Andalusian looked back on his performance last year, his expectations for 2025 and above all on a moment that left a deep impression on him: the defeat in the World Cup final Padel in doha.

A World Cup that leaves its mark

If there is one difficult moment to digest for Yanguas in 2024, it is this final of the Global in Qatar, where Spain lost to Argentina, in a third decisive match that he played alongside Paquito Navarro against Léo Augsburger and Tino Libaak. For him, this defeat was a real shock:

“You can’t even imagine… I didn’t sleep. I even changed flights so as not to run into the Argentinian players. They all left in the morning, and I took another flight. I swear it was the hardest day of my life in terms of sport, without a doubt.”

This match, which he was looking forward to, did not go as planned. After being in great shape in previous tournaments, he admits that he did not feel up to par that day:

“It was unexpected because I was in very good shape, but afterwards I didn't feel like I had played well. It was a big blow. We really wanted to win, but that's life, you have to move forward.”

Legendary tips for bouncing back

After this defeat, Yanguas received several messages of support, notably from his father and Pablo Lima, which reminded him of one essential thing:

“After the game, my father and Pablo Lima told me: 'The pain of defeat is what will help you become better.' Bela (Fernando Belasteguín) also told me this several times. You have to use these failures to grow.”

And that's exactly what he did. A few weeks later, he bounced back and went on to win very good results in Kuwait, Dubai and Acapulco.

“After the World Cup, I played at a very good level in the following tournaments. That helped me turn the page quickly.”

A new chapter with Coki Nieto

In 2025, Mike Yanguas teams up with Coki Nieto, a pair that starts number 4 on the circuit. After playing with Javi Garrido et Franco Stupaczuk, he must again adapt to a different partner:

“Yes, you always have to adapt to your partner’s style. All players have their strengths and weaknesses, and we have to find a balance. The ability to adjust quickly is what differentiates the best.”

The objective is clear: to go for finals and titles.

“With Coki, we want to play finals and win them. That’s our main goal.”

For him, the way to the top is through trainingHe recognizes that this is his weak point and that he must improve:

“To be number one, I lack one key element: training like a number one. That’s the only thing that separates me from the top. I know it, and now I’m working to improve it.”

Unlimited ambition

At just 22 years old, Yanguas already has an impressive maturity and does not hide his ambition:

“You have to believe in yourself. If you want to be at the top, you have to tell yourself that you are capable of it. Then, you have to prove it every day in training.”

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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