Raquel Piltcher, like all the Brazilian selection, experienced a big disappointment in believing to obtain their qualification for the quarterfinals, decision rectified the next day by the FIP at a special meeting.

A big bazaar

Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: On Wednesday you were qualified for the quarterfinals, you were dancing with the French, and everything changed during a meeting of the FIP on Thursday morning. How did you experience all of this from within the selection?

Raquel Piltcher: “In reality during the match against Sweden, we knew that we were eliminated. Then our delegate went to speak with the referees, who confirmed to her that we were qualified. Our president went back there because we had doubts. They then assured us that we were in the quarters, and so we started to celebrate, especially with the French women.

“This morning [Thursday] they had their meeting at 9 a.m., and at 10 a.m. we were notified that we were no longer in quarters. I imagine that for Sweden also it was difficult. It was a big bazaar.”

Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: Following this error, how did you prepare to play a match a few hours later with a change of opponent?

Raquel Piltcher: "We were to play at 14 p.m. and 3 hours earlier we received this information. The adversary changes, and it's a big blow to the head. We were definitely not psychologically ready. We were going to play against Argentina. It's a disaster."

We've been disadvantaged

Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: You were still able to win your meeting today.

Raquel Piltcher:“Yes, we entered the field with the objective of taking 9th place… That's how it is.”

Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: You were in the “group of death” with Sweden, France and Brazil. Is it difficult for you not to leave this type of group?

Raquel Piltcher:“Yes, and we have to talk about it. We were the only group with five teams… I don't even know why, but this last-minute change harmed all the selections in this group. We had two games twice in the same day. With this heat, it's difficult to play twice a day. With this final episode, it is a great disappointment.”

Lorenzo Lecci Lopez: Brazil is angry. Do you have anything to say to the FIP?

Raquel Piltcher:“No, I think the FIP is aware of the mistake it made. I think my federation will say that is a bad fault. I hope this kind of thing doesn't happen again because we were disadvantaged, and Sweden too. In a small club tournament it can happen, but not in World Championships.”

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 it on the various international competitions, but also on the major French events. @eyeofpadel on Instagram to see his best photos of padel !