Today we want to talk about an interview that our friend Jose A. Bas Llopis of Bas Coaching did with the number 2 of the World Padel Tour ranking. For those who don’t know, and I’m sure there aren’t many, Juan Martin Diaz Martinez is considered one of the stars of the padel, and his technique has made him one of the best.
He was born in Argentina but became a Spanish citizen a few years ago and now lives in Madrid. As a child he dreamed of becoming a tennis player, and the Davis Cup was his goal. He was a tennis player and, like many other professional padel players, gradually left tennis to dedicate himself fully to padel. He played with Ezekiel Lorenzo and Leo Padovani, becoming a worthy opponent for the professionals of the time. But it was with the help of Alejandro Sanz “The Magician” that he made the leap to professional padel in 1994.
In 1997 he moved to Spain, and in 1998 he was selected as a Spaniard to compete in the World Padel Championship in Argentina. His joy, empathy and simplicity allowed him to win the favor of the public in the sport in addition to the athletic success he achieved.
In 2002, together with Fernando Belasteguin, he made history in the sport and won every title ever awarded, becoming number one for years to come. Last year, they announced their breakup after years of success. This year, 2015, he started the season with Juani Mieres, but the results were not what both expected, and the separation made Juan Martin joined his current partner, Maxi Sanchez. From our point of view, we think they are a couple that fit together very well, and we wish them a lot of sporting success.
After a little introduction here is the interview:
- How important is the mental aspect in padel?
A lot, but I think sometimes it’s what makes you win or lose a match.
- You are under the tutelage of Drop Shot, what is your assessment of the brand you play with?
I am very happy with Drop Shot, I have the best material, both rackets and clothes are of excellent quality.
- During your professional career you have won everything, what is the secret to continue with 100% motivation?
I think it is fundamental that I like my job and I always try to be prepared in the best I can.
- What advice would you give to people who are just starting out in the padel world?
To have lots and lots of patience to play.
- At every competition you are watched under a magnifying glass, how does a padel world icon like you handle the pressure?
Sometimes it’s good, and sometimes not so good. Psychological work is very important to go into matches as relaxed as possible.
- Is there any player who has been a model for you?
Alejando “The Magician” Sanz.
- What is the key to making sure that the professional padel continues to grow and reach even more expansion?
I think there is a need for more tournaments to be held outside of Spain. The World Padel Tour is working on that. I hope we can see the World Padel Tour in many countries in the next few years.
%7Cutmcsr%3D(direct)%7Cutmcmd%3D(none)%3B%2B__utmv%3D16759686.-%3B)