Lucia Sainz: ”I think I will play with pain"

Lucia Sainz has suffered a foot injury this season. During the World Padel Tour semi-finals in Valladolid, the injury worsened. During the current European Championships, she was forced to withdraw from the open class. But the Valencia Open is not in danger: ”I think I will play with pain,” she says. 

MARBELLA. 

Spain has won everything on the women's side and is in the final as expected. One person who looks to enjoy it in Marbella during the team competitions is Lucia Sainz. 

It was during the Valladolid Open that the star worsened a foot injury. She canceled the open class but continues the team competition. But she leaves good news ahead of next week's World Padel Tour competition in Valencia. 

— I think I will play with pain in Valencia, but we are used to it. This sport is not healthy, Lucia Sainz says and laughs. 

The European Championships in Marbella is the second for Lucia Sainz. Last time she was also unlucky. It was her partner at that time, Gemma Triay, who got injured. 

— Yes, but I am happy to represent the Spanish team. Now I am available for the team if someone needs to rest, she says. 

She likes team competitions. 

— I have been living in the USA, so I have the team spirit mentally. I love to be in a team and cheer for others, not only me. 

But admits it's a bit special to face her rivals on the World Padel Tour. 

— It´s complicated, last week we were competing against each other, and now we are here as friends. But I love to play team tournaments, and we are used to it. This week is relaxed, she says. 

Missing from the Spanish team are world number one´s Alejandra Salazar and Gemma Triay. But Lucia Sainz's answer to playing for Spain was simple. 

— Yes, if Spain calls you, I´ll say yes. The bad thing is that we have a tough calendar. That's the only reason for me to skip 

Even though Spain will most likely win the European Championship, she feels that the level gets better with each championship. 

— It's really good for padel, but not for us as players, Lucia Sainz says and laughs. 

Last week she and her partner Bea Gonzalez were in the semi-finals of the Valladolid Masters. But the pair want more together. 

— We are doing a great job, but we are not at the top. We are working on it, and hopefully, we will win some tournaments soon. 

Next week and after the European Championships, it's the Valencia Open for Bea Gonzalez and Lucia Sainz.  

— We will see if we can be at the top level this year or next year, Lucia Sainz says.