The controversy that arose during the  FIP Platinum Albania  continues to fuel debate. Following the numerous reactions provoked by the registration of a pair composed of a professional player and an amateur player,  Rafa Méndez , currently ranked 114th in the world, spoke out in defense of the players involved.

In a video posted on social media, the Spaniard believes that the debate is misdirected and that the real problem lies elsewhere: in the economic reality of professional padel.

"The players are being blamed again."

For Méndez, the criticism leveled at players who accept this type of association is unfair.

"Once again, it's the player who finds himself at the center of the criticism," he explains.

The Spaniard points out that no professional voluntarily chooses to play with an amateur partner for sporting reasons.

"Do you really think a player would prefer to play with an amateur?"

According to him, these situations are primarily the consequence of an economic model that pushes some players to seek additional income to finance their season.

Insufficient earnings to live off the circuit

The main focus of Rafa Méndez's speech was on the financial difficulties faced by a large number of professional players.

The Spanish player is particularly critical of the amount of prize money on the circuit.

"The profits being made today are a disgrace."

He gives the example of a player eliminated in the first round of a Major. This player receives approximately 1,900 euros, an amount that quickly disappears once travel, coaching, and accommodation expenses are deducted.

The situation becomes even more complicated when it comes to travelling outside of Europe.

"To go and play in Argentina, you can spend 1,300 euros on a plane ticket when you only earn 1,200 euros in the first round."

Between 3,000 and 4,000 euros in expenses per month

Beyond travel expenses, Méndez points out that a professional player must also finance his daily training.

According to him, a player spends on average between 600 and 700 euros per month just for training, not including accommodation, food or travel.

In total, he estimates that a professional can easily reach between 3,000 and 4,000 euros in monthly expenses.

"It's impossible to be truly professional under these conditions."

A consequence of the current system

For Rafa Méndez, some decisions that are controversial today have their direct origin in this economic insecurity.

His conclusion is clear:

"If the players could make a decent living from padel, they wouldn't do this."

The Spaniard also emphasized the importance of sponsors, which he now considers essential to allow many players to continue their careers.

A debate that continues to divide the padel community.

Rafa Méndez's statements add to those of  Carlos Pozzoni who had also recently mentioned the limitations of the current system after the Albanian tournament.

Beyond the specific case observed in  FIP Platinum Albania This new statement reignites two recurring debates in professional padel: the distribution of points on the FIP circuit and the ability of players outside the world elite to actually make a living from their sport.

These are topics that are likely to continue fueling discussions in the coming months.

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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