Sergio Perez is an international referee from padel recognized. The Spaniard has just been named sporting director de l 'APT Padel Tour for Europe and North America. Padel Magazine meet him for an exclusive interview.

A connoisseur

Padel Magazine : Sergio, what is your background? Tell us about your time at the WPT and your news on the APT Padel Tour.

Sergio Perez:"I come from Madrid. I started with tennis 40 years ago when the padel almost did not exist. I got to a decent level, because I managed to beat Juan Carlos Ferrero one day! At the end of the 90s I switched to padel. At 23, I started leading the game padel of my club Alameda, and it lasted 15 years. These are my two passions: teaching children and refereeing.”

“From 2011, I became a referee. I collaborate with the Madrid federation. In 2015, I started working with the WPT, and I did more and more tournaments until last year. The APT Padel Tour made me an offer to start on the Sevilla Master, and I didn't really hesitate. My stage with the WPT was over. I also refereed the first Major of Premier Padel in Qatar. I think I can umpire on all circuits.

A new step

Padel Magazine : What is your concrete role in the APT PADEL ROUND ?

Sergio Perez: "louis wolf gave me the opportunity to take a new step in my career. He offered me the opportunity to be a sporting director, and it's an exciting project.

“I am very motivated by the fact of being able to bring my stone to the building in this magnificent project.”

A less volatile calendar

Padel Magazine : There have been a lot of changes in the APT schedule this season. In your opinion, what are the reasons for these changes?

Sergio Perez:"It's true that there are a lot of schedule changes, but I would like to keep things positive. It is a very big challenge to be present in so many places around the globe. It's not easy, but the important thing is that there is a set number of trials for the players. Either way, players just want to play.”

“The future of the APT is to continue to host tournaments in spectacular venues. There are many promoters who support the APT. The calendar will be less volatile in the future because the contracts are signed for several years. It's an exciting time.”

Padel Magazine : The women's circuit has fewer and fewer tournaments, and the players who bet on the APT are starting to be a little disappointed. What is the plan to give a new impetus to the women's circuit?

Sergio Perez:"On the women's circuit, we can't wait to see the Master Final which will close the quarter. We have seen that there are new pairs that have raised the playing level of the circuit. The Master will be very beautiful. For next season, we will be able to give a larger calendar thanks to the various contracts signed with the promoters.

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 !

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