One of the greatest international coaches, the Argentinian, Rodrigo Ovide, returned to many anecdotes around padel, his memories, but also more complicated moments, with a perfect finish.

What is your best memory in padel? 

I have many, but I will focus on recent events. The world championship with Argentina last year was the moment that gave me the most emotions that I can remember.

And the worst, if there is one of course?

I think it was the day I announced that I would no longer play padel. I love competing and playing so much that yes, it was a difficult day.

What would be the datasheet perfect for your palace?

I like racquets with a rather short handle. As for the form, I don't care. However, I appreciate racquets with a hard rubber that allows for increased power while attenuating noise.

Your favorite tournament?

I think the Master Final is always a special tournament.

Your favorite activity outside of padel?

Play the drums.

What do you like most about padel? 

I enjoy the game because padel is a sport that combines many aspects, such as the physical part, strategy and tactics. The cooperation and synchronization between the members of a pair make padel a very dynamic and fun sport. I like the diversity of skills needed to excel in this sport, as well as the social aspect and team spirit that it fosters. It is an enriching experience that offers both fun and challenges.

And the thing you like least about this sport?

Sometimes, even when playing perfectly, bouncing off grids or glass can cause the point to lose control. It only takes one unpredictable ball to lose a point, or even a game.

This can be frustrating as it gets out of players' control despite their best efforts to play well.

However, this is also what makes padel unpredictable and exciting, because every point counts and can change the result. It is an integral part of the game and players must be prepared to face these situations.

And finally, your craziest padel experience?

Inside the court, I was not a crazy player… There are certainly some anecdotes, but let me tell you about a situation during the Master Final of 2015 with Juan Martin Diaz and Maxi Sanchez. During a break, Juan Martin came off the court and told me he felt very nervous and tense. I just advised him to calm down and gave him advice including focusing on his strengths and letting Maxi do more of the back game. He returned to the field and chained 6 or 7 winners in a row, which allowed them to win the match. After the game I told him he looked tense and asked him what had happened. He replied: "I don't know, I saw the ball, I hit it and it came out." This is also the magic of this player...

thomas jay

After being rocked by tennis for almost 15 years, I became an absolute fan of its cousin, padel. For almost a year now, it is with another racket that I have been chasing the little yellow ball but with just as much passion! Based in Lyon, I intend to make you more aware of padel in the region and at the national level.

On the same subject

Tags