The young star with Padel Alto: ”A year ago, I realised that padel could be my career”

Claudia Fernández is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the world. The 16-year-old player has just been proclaimed European champion. Both are in the national team category with Spain and her partner Alejandra Alonso. In an interview with Padel Alto during the European junior tournament in Valencia, Claudia told us about her beginnings and her expectations for the future.
— I realized that the sport I was playing could also become my career. 

Claudia Fernandez started playing padel at the age of 8, but it wasn't until a year ago that she realized the sport could become her professional career.

— Less than a year ago, I realized that the sport I was playing could also become my career. I decided to try my luck on the World Padel Tour with Lucia Perez Parra, and in the first tournament, we were one step away from the main draw. At that moment, I decided to start being more professional, and I started training with Gaby Reca, and the improvement was immediately noticeable.

Fernandez is currently ranked number 34 in the World Padel Tour at the age of 16. Together with her partner Julieta Bidahorria, they have reached the main draw in every competition since they got together in April.

What are your objectives for the end of the season?

With Juli, we've only been together for a short time, but we're doing very well. We both have a lot of desire and feel we are improving daily. Hopefully, this year I can get into the top thirty. Our goal is to stay in the main draw, she says. 

"Pleasantly surprised"

This weekend, the first European Padel Championship was held in Valencia. There, Claudia was crowned European champion in the two categories she competed in: National teams with Spain and Open by couples U16.

What did you think about the level of play in the championship?

— I was surprised by the level. I didn't think the other teams would play like this. When I was at the World Junior Championships a few years ago, there wasn't much of a level, but now there has been an important improvement. There are players from Portugal and Sweden who have pleasantly surprised me.

P.A: How do you see the future of padel in Spain?

— Clearly, the future of the Spanish padel is very promising. Many players are rising in the ranking very quickly. You see very good quality matches in all the minor categories, and I think the future is assured. 

"A far-off dream”

At the end of October, the World Cup will be held in Dubai. Spain, the reigning world champions, is undoubtedly the biggest contender for the title. For Claudia, being part of the national team is a goal to be achieved.

P.A: Do you think about the possibility of joining the Spanish national team in the future?

— I still see it as a distant dream. All the best players in the world are Spanish and fantastic. I am very young, but hopefully, in a few years, I can be there.