Five-time Grand Slam winner advances to Miami: ”I started playing six months ago”

In her first World Padel Tour, 38-year-old Roberta Vinci is now through to the main draw in Miami Open. She has won five Grand Slams and been ranked No. 1 in doubles tennis. In 2015, she knocked out Serena Williams in the semifinals of the US Open. 
— I started playing padel for real six months ago, she says to Padel Alto after the success in the qualification round in Madrid. 

When Padel Alto met Roberta Vinci after winning the qualifying round final with Giulia Sussarello with 7-5, 6-4 against Marta Caparros and Marta Barrera, she was very happy. 

— It's my first tournament outside of Italy. We won 4 tough matches. The level here is different. In Italy, we play faster, and here every point is more tactical and challenging. It's my first World Padel Tour, and I didn’t expect this at all, she says to Padel Alto. 

The accomplished tennis player with five Grand Slams in doubles and a final in the US Open enjoys advancing to the Miami Open. 

— I’ve played there a lot, but tennis. Now also in padel, so it's great. 

How did you start playing padel? 
— I started six months ago just for fun. Before that, I played once a month. I started just for fun, to run, and to enjoy. I said step by step: It’s nice, you learn more, and it feels good. Giulia asked me to go to WPT, and I said yes, let's try. But the important thing is to enjoy, she says. 

But she still has a lot to learn in padel, according to her. 

— It's completely different from tennis. Sometimes I play tennis on a padel court. I don’t go to the net sometimes when I should. A lot of things are different. But I like to learn, and I want to play in a lot of tournaments cause I want to improve. 

What use is your background as such a successful tennis player in padel now? 
— I'm a competitor. Always when I go to the court, I want to win. You can enjoy it, but just not for fun. You have to win also. My background is important. I played tennis with a lot of public. Here is different. I'm used to important situations on the court.

As in padel, she most enjoyed playing doubles in tennis. It's no coincidence if you ask her. 

— We stay all together when one goes down. When you are alone, it's hard. I prefer to play double in a team always, she says. 

The 38-year-old currently lives in Milan and now plans to travel to more competitions. 

— Well, we want to play FIP in Valencia and the next World Padel Tour in Reus. When we have time to go, we will go. Why not, she says. 

What are your expectations for the Miami Open?
— We will try our best. If we´re not winning, we have a vacation In Miami for a week. Not too bad.

Do you still play any tennis? 
— No, come on! Just padel.