Pol Hernández: “Modern padel is looking for players capable of hitting from anywhere”

Circuit reveal in 2025 , Pol Hernández confided in Brand during the' Hexagon Cup of Madrid. The Catalan, now settled around the 40th place in the world , looks back on its evolution, the transformation of the modern game and the realities of the very highest level.

Until recently, Pol Hernández was still relatively unknown, but he is gradually establishing himself as one of the the most promising right-handed players on the circuit An ascent built without sudden explosions, but through continuous progression, marked by strong choices and a constant adaptation to the demands of professional padel.

A new generation that is pushing hard

For Hernández, the rise of young players is no longer a trend, but a structural reality.

“Six or seven Next Gen players at the Hexagon Cup were already in the top 50,” he points out. This evolution, he believes, directly contributes to the current transformation of the game.

Among the profiles that impress him the most, he notably cites Manu Castaño whom he considers one of the players with the greatest potential for improvement, as well as Aimar Goñi , including its recent impact on Premier Padel does not go unnoticed.

M3 School: Intensity and Daily Demands

Having been based in Madrid for four seasons, Hernández speaks at length about his training environment at the M3 Academy He describes an ultra-competitive environment, marked by the regular presence of players like Alejandro Galán ou Fede Chingotto Sessions where the pace leaves no respite.

“They constantly push you to give your all,” he confides. Hernández particularly emphasizes Chingotto’s demanding nature, capable of maintaining constant pressure during training.

This gradual immersion in the highest level allowed him, in his own words, to adapt his game to tempo of the professional circuit . An accelerated learning process also fueled by advice from his training partners, despite the rivalry in competition.

Chingotto, a technical and mental benchmark

Hernández acknowledges a particular admiration for Fede Chingotto.

Often considered less spectacular, the Argentinian embodies, in his eyes, an exceptional understanding of the game. “What he produces in terms of pure padel is remarkable,” explains the Catalan, emphasizing his tactical reading and rally management.

A logical source of inspiration for Hernández, who shares a similar profile.

“Modern padel demands more aggression”

When asked about his offensive evolution, Hernández makes a clear-eyed assessment of the changing game.

“Modern padel is looking for players who can hit from anywhere and generate winners,” he explains. This evolution has pushed him to further develop his finishing ability.

He now accepts this measured risk-taking, aimed at strengthening his impact in the offensive phases.

Hernandez and Collado in full control to take the title at FIP Silver Bandol

The shock of turning professional

Hernández insists on the clear break between the junior circuit and the professional world.

“Titles in youth categories guarantee nothing,” he reminds us. The Catalan evokes a completely different world, where only current performance truly matters.

His early move to Madrid appears in retrospect as a major turning point. A change of scenery that he did not perceive as pressure, despite a more complex period during the transition between circuits.

The economic reality of the FIP circuit

One of the most striking parts of the interview concerns the financial dimension.

Alongside Rama Valenzuela Hernández has made numerous trips to the FIP circuit as part of a long-term investment strategy. This is a deliberate strategy, despite a clear observation:

“Even when we were winning matches, we were still losing money.”

He describes this situation as common in this intermediate zone between qualifying and the main draw. Despite several titles and ranking improvements, profitability remained limited.

The Collado effect and the Milan turning point

The association with William Collado This then marks a key stage. After a hesitant start, the pair reached several consecutive rounds of 16, a notable performance without being seeded.

Hernández speaks of a defining moment: their victory in Milan against a major pair on the circuit: Nieto / Yanguas “This match made us realize that we could beat anyone,” he explains.

A newfound confidence, even though Hernández emphasizes the particular difficulty of facing the very top pairs in the world, capable of immediately imposing a maximum level of intensity.

Milan P1: Hernández / Collado create a surprise by eliminating Yanguas / Nieto

Clear objectives and measured ambition

For 2026, Hernández sets a pragmatic roadmap: To sustainably integrate the 16 best pairs in the world , then aim for quarter-finals , a milestone never before reached in his career.

On a personal level, he mentions a strong but realistic objective: to compete in a Final Master which he considers a true marker of establishment within the elite.

Mental work at the heart of the project

Hernández finally emphasizes the importance of psychological work.

Accompanied for several years by Eli Amatriaín He considers the mental dimension to be an essential lever for progress at the highest level. An approach informed, according to him, by Amatriaín's direct experience as a former player.

Lucid, structured and fully aware of the circuit's requirements Pol Hernández embodies this new generation that is progressing without rushing things. His analysis of the modern game, his understanding of economic realities, and his ambition paint the profile of a player already firmly established in the codes of the very highest level.

And given their recent trajectory, the quarter-finals mentioned no longer seem like mere speculation. It's only a matter of time.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!