Exclusive interview: Coki Nieto reveals the big goal of the season

Only five different pairs have secured a Premier Padel title this year. One of these pairs is Coki Nieto and Jon Sanz, who went all the way in Bordeaux and won the tournament. Padel Alto met with one of the key players, Coki Nieto, who shares his thoughts on the season and his partnership with Sanz.

Over the past year, nearly every top player has chosen to change partners in the search of new success, leading to significant changes at the top of the world rankings. A few weeks ago, Padel Alto reported that only two pairs from last year are still together.

One of these pairs is Coki Nieto and Jon Sanz, who began their partnership at the end of the summer of 2023. Despite opportunities to change partners during all the changes, they have chosen to continue their collaboration.

Padel Alto met with Coki Nieto in Madrid, at an event organized by his sponsor Asics ahead of this week's competition.

– I think we are really excited to play here in Madrid. As Madrid players, this is our tournament, so we want to do a great tournament, play some good padel, and then let's see if we can achieve that.

He continues:

– I think that we are playing really good padel. We are training a lot and we make a really good couple on the court. We understand each other well. We also have a great team behind us that supports us and keeps us focused on our goal. So, we are really happy to play together.

The goal: “The Master Final”

What are your goals for this fall?

– Well, our goal is to play and reach the Master Final. I think we are playing well and achieving great results. So if we keep going in this direction, I believe we will achieve it.

What are your ambitions for this tournament?

– I always say that my goal is to play well and play good padel. Because if you play well, the results will come. So, I’m focused on playing well and not being nervous, not trying to aim for any specific round—just playing well, and that’s it.

Nieto and Sanz have been training together for a long time with former world star Maxi Grabiel. Grabiel, who knows what it’s like to be in the spotlight after being number one in Argentina alongside Seba Nerone, has been a key part of their success.

– Maxi, I think, is the key to our team. Jon and I need Maxi a lot because, when we might get angry with each other, Maxi is the one who brings a bit of calm on the bench. In our daily routine as well, Maxi is really important. He’s always smiling, always trying to support us, and teaching us something new. So, we are really happy to have him.

”They are improving”

How has it been since Premier Padel took over the responsibility for the world tour?

– We are happy. At the beginning of the year, they could have done things a little bit better. But now they are improving, and I believe it's a long journey. It's their first year, so I think that in the future, they will fix the problems and make this tour even better. It's already a great tour, but I think they can improve a little bit.

Coki Nieto and Jon Sanz begin the Madrid competition tomorrow against Ramiro Jesus Valenzuela and Pol Hernandez Alvarez.