A few weeks after the scare in Miami, Lucas Campagnolo returned to the pitch with a clearer perspective than ever on his career. In an interview with our colleagues at Marca, the Brazilian speaks candidly about his journey, his doubts, and his plans, as the season approaches. Premier Padel Asuncion P2.

An injury that could have changed everything

The memory is still fresh. In Miami, a sharp pain in the knee raises fears of a torn cruciate ligament. For several hours, the anxiety is palpable.

"If I had had a ruptured cruciate ligament, I think I would have returned to Brazil to dedicate myself to livestock farming."

Ultimately, medical examinations ruled out the worst. A relief for the player, who admitted to having experienced a moment of great anxiety.

"I was really terrified. I wondered what I was going to do with my life, with the contracts, the commitments..."

A deep attachment to his roots

Originally from Alegrete in southern Brazil, Campagnolo has never forgotten his roots. Between padel and his family's land, his childhood was built in a simple environment.

"I'm a very normal person, very attached to my family and to nature."

His father worked in livestock farming, so he maintains a strong connection with that world and does not hide his intentions for after his career.

"When I retire, I'll go back to Brazil to work in livestock farming. It's something I've always loved."

The Spanish bet

Her arrival in Spain in 2017 was supposed to be temporary. It would ultimately become a major turning point.

"I was supposed to come for three months... and I stayed."

At the time, making a living from padel was far from easy. To finance his daily life, he worked long hours teaching.

"I taught five hours a day to be able to make a living."

A demanding period, but a decisive one in his development.

Injuries that are hard to take.

Campagnolo's career has not been straightforward. In 2023, a significant injury hampered his progress just as he was approaching the very highest level.

"I was at the peak of my career... and I had to stop for three months. I took it very badly."

A major blow, particularly on a mental level, which forced him to rebuild himself.

"In my mind, I was a player... but when I came back, I wasn't really anymore."

An intense personality on the track

Calm in life, the Brazilian changes completely once he's on the field.

"Outside of the ring, I'm a very quiet person, but on the track, I transform."

An attitude that is sometimes criticized, but which he fully accepts.

"I give everything from the heart. It's not to be disrespectful, it's just the way I am."

A new project with Momo González

From a sporting perspective, a new chapter begins with Momo Gonzalez. An important decision in an increasingly competitive circuit.

"This is the opportunity I've been waiting for for a long time."

Without looking too far ahead, Campagnolo prefers to remain focused on the daily work.

"The course is so tough that we could lose in the first round. The important thing is to get the best out of both of us."

A clear-eyed look at padel

The Brazilian also discusses the evolution of the circuit, particularly the frequent changes of partners.

"I would try to regulate the number of partner changes to give the sport more seriousness."

He is also worried about the state of padel in his country.

"Padel in Brazil has been at a standstill for a long time. There's a lack of a real project."

Between gratitude and realism

Despite the difficulties, Campagnolo appreciates the progress made.

"When I see where padel has taken me, I am very grateful."

At 30, he seems to have found a balance between sporting ambition and long-term vision. Between competition and a future already mapped out far from the track, in the heart of Brazil.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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