Le  P1 of Tarragona  marked the emergence of a new name in world padel:  Aimar Goñi The young player from Pamplona, ​​aged only  19 years , revealed himself to the general public by reaching the quarter-finals with Mario Ortega, who was still playing on the circuit last year  A1 Padel . In an interview with  Diario Sport , he looked back on his career and his ambitions.

From the A1 to Premier Padel

Until now, Goñi was almost unknown to a large part of the fans. "I had a contract with the A1, I played there and when the tour closed, we had to reposition ourselves," he explains. If he hadn't started directly on the circuit Premier Padel, it's primarily for financial reasons: "For someone starting out, it's a very expensive circuit." Once he got started, he immediately realized the difference: "Here, the game is faster, you have to adapt."

An extraordinary physique

With its  1,95 meter , Goñi impresses with his power and size. A size that could have destined him for other sports: "I would have been seen in cesta punta or handball, but in the end it was padel that attracted me thanks to my father." Since he was three, he has been handling the pala, to the point that his parents even found a way to make him take lessons before the minimum authorized age.

A revelation in Tarragona

His performance in Tarragona was surprising: coming from qualifying with Mario Ortega, he eliminated  Paquito Navarro and Bergamini  before falling in the quarter-finals against  Chingotto and Galán . "This match was mainly about enjoying ourselves; we couldn't demand a win." With great support, he was also able to count on his loved ones: "My friends and my brother brought a lot of people. It gave the impression that I had a whole troop behind me!"

References and ambitions

Goñi doesn't hide his role models: "Jon Sanz is my idol, he would be a perfect companion. I'm already sending him signals, my phone is always on!" He will soon be competing in the  Madrid and Paris  next to  I fight Capra , who is returning from injury. Aware of his potential but also of his current limitations, he compares himself with other young people of his generation: "Cardona and Augsburger are still above, but we have this striking power in common."

100% padel, for now

Fully committed to his project, Aimar Goñi now dedicates his life to padel. "I had a discussion with my parents: if it doesn't work out, I'll go back to university. But for now, I'm giving everything to succeed in this sport." A courageous choice which, given his brilliant debut, could well propel the Navarrese giant into the ranks of the world's padel scene in the years to come.

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 !

On the same subject

Tags