The start of the 2026 season is already marked by a first  game of musical chairs  on the circuit Premier PadelAmong the separations that have generated discussion, the one between  Maxi Arce and Pablo Lijó  surprised.

A high-performing pair, capable of competing with the best, especially against  Tapia / Coello but which ultimately will go no further.

 A sporting choice above all 

In an interview with journalist Joaquín Serna,  Maxi Maple  has reflected lucidly on this decision.

The central point of his reasoning: physical management and scheduling.

 “We are athletes and we depend on our physical condition. The fewer matches we play in a year, the better it is for our health.” 

With Lijó, Arce had to regularly go through the  qualifications , sometimes playing up to five matches in a row before reaching the round of 16.

An accumulation of matches that takes its toll:

  • physical fatigue
  • risk of injury
  • Less freshness against the top seeds

 “We reached the round of 16 after five matches against seeded teams, and that takes a huge toll on you.” 

One thing was clear: to take things to the next level, a change of context was necessary.

 Juan Tello's call, impossible to refuse 

Another determining factor: the opportunity to play with a player of the caliber of  Juan Tello .

 “Juan is a player who has won tournaments, who knows how to compete with the best.” 

The profile of “Gato” matches what Arce was looking for:

  • experience at the very highest level
  • ability to beat the best pairs
  • competitor mindset

And above all, a genuine desire:

 “When he called me, I could see he was really hungry.” 

 The World Cup in sight 

Beyond the circuit, Arce is also thinking about the national team.

In a year marked by the  Championnat du monde This choice is also strategic.

 “I’m counting on good performances with him to become attractive to the selectors. Maybe it could be a pairing for the World Cup.” 

The objective is clear:

  • perform with Tello
  • gain visibility
  • to get closer to being selected for Argentina

 A separation without regrets, but full of respect 

Arce does not hide the fact that the decision was complicated:

 “It was a very difficult decision.” 

But in a circuit where projects evolve quickly, the choice to join a world-class player appears as a  career progression logic .

 A new project to follow closely 

With  Tello Arce changes dimension.

Fewer matches to play beforehand, more regularity in the draws, and above all, a revised, higher ambition.

It remains to be seen whether this new duo will live up to its promises on the track.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

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