Ale Galan to Padel Alto: ”I'm sad that Sanyo and Tapia are not here”

PARIS. Sanyo Gutierrez and Agustin Tapia will be missing when Premier Padel comes to the prestigious Roland Garros for the Paris Padel Major. In an interview with Padel Alto on-site in Paris, Alejandro Galan says he thinks it's sad. He also talks about the feeling of playing at the venue where Rafael Nadal won his 22nd Grand Slam a few weeks ago. 
— It saddens me that they are not here, the world number one says. 

Alejandro Galan and Juan Lebron are the reigning Premier Padel champions after the win in Rome in front of a fully crowded Foro Italico. After the tournament, Galan said it was the best he had played in his entire career. 

In an interview with Padel Alto from Roland Garros, the world's best padel player, says the Paris Major has the potential to be even better. 

— Premier Padel is getting better tournament by tournament. The word to define it is evolution. Ever since the circuit arrived, it has represented that word, and they are evolving and doing it better in every tournament. It is true that so far, the best tournament I have played has been the one in Rome. But I wish I could fill the Philippe Chatrier and enjoy the best padel. Besides, my parents and girlfriend are here, so it will be nice to share it with them, he says. 

”Symbolic place for any athlete”

What are your first feelings when you see that padel has arrived here at this prestigious venue, Roland Garros?

— I think Roland Garros is symbolic for any athlete of any sport. As a Spaniard, it is even more special because of what Rafael Nadal represents for tennis. Besides, padel and tennis are cousin sports. We want to start creating our history here, and I am very happy to be able to do it right now.

P.A: You were finalists in Qatar Major (lost against Paquito Navarro and Martin Di Nenno) and champions in Rome. What are your expectations for this tournament?

— For us to play here is a dream that is coming true. I wouldn't say I like to look at the earlier results but the performance. Because I think the results come later, we try to win, face each match as a final, and give our best version.

P.A: Are the preparations different for this kind of tournament, or the same as always?

— We go 100% for every tournament. We leave nothing behind. Our ambition is always maximum, and we always go with all the illusion to compete. What makes this tournament different is the outdoor conditions. We have had to train and adapt, but we have had good results in recent outdoor tournaments. We are very much looking forward to doing very well here.

P.A: What is the most important thing in your game plan to win the title here in Paris?

— Win the last point, he says with a laugh. 

He continues: 

— I think we are playing very well, with a lot of confidence. Every year, every tournament that goes by, we know each other better, and we are more and more in tune with each other. We are going through a good streak and want to keep it going.

”To play this kind of tournament is like a dream come true”

P.A: You played the final in Valencia last weekend against Sanyo and Tapia and have played against each other in several tough matches this season. Do you think they are your biggest rival today?

— I said after losing against them in Sweden last year that they were the best couple at that moment, although I knew Paquito and Di Nenno were going through a great moment. At that moment, I dared to say they were the best pair because of the padel they were playing. Today they are proving it. 

He continues: 

— We play many tournaments in many finals and come from many close matches. I think they deserved this last one, but we also had many opportunities to close the match earlier. I believe we had a higher level for most of the games. But we didn't close it, and they improved their level. They equalized the match, and this time it went their way.

”All the players want to be here”

Q.A: How do you feel that they are not here competing?

— It makes me sad. I think all the players want to be here. I've read interviews and talked to them personally, and they have expressed so - not only them but all the players who are not here. To play this kind of tournament are a dream come true for any player, and it saddens me that they can't all be here because that's what we want. We want to support the sport's growth among everyone, but I understand that some more interests or decisions may not come easy for everyone. But I would love if all the players could compete at the highest level together.

P.A: Premier Padel is coming soon to your hometown. How do you feel that a Premier Padel tournament will be played in Madrid?

— I'm very excited, it's a date that I have marked on the calendar, and I'm looking forward to it. The WiZink is a unique place, and Madrid is a unique place in the padel world. Besides, I will have my people close to me. I am a person who enjoys having my environment with me. Seeing how each event and each tournament Premier Padel has been evolving and growing, I'm looking forward to seeing surprises and new things at the WiZink and enjoying this incredible stage.