On the sidelines of a padel event organized in the Maldives, Brand has met Juan Mieres, former world number one, coach and major figure in the history of padel. In the exceptional setting of “Le Meridien Resort & Spa”The Argentinian offers a clear-eyed look at the evolution of his sport, between spectacular growth, accelerated professionalization and inevitable excesses.

Juan Mieres Maldives via Marca
Mieres playing on the court at Le Meridien Resort & Spa via Marca

A sport that has grown… and aims even higher

Mieres makes no secret of his enthusiasm for the current trajectory of padel. The development is global, structured, and above all, ambitious.

"It cost a bit, but now I love the direction padel is taking."

For him, the objective for padel is clear: Olympic Games.

"That would be huge. It would change everything in terms of support, facilities, and professionalization."

Although he remains cautious about comparing himself to giants like football or tennis, the former number one accepts this ambition as a logical step.

Money has changed the competition

Inevitably, this growth has been accompanied by a profound transformation of the circuit. Mieres, who experienced padel without money, observes a clear difference in how defeat is experienced.

"Before, when we lost, we were bitter, we didn't want to talk to anyone."

Today, contracts provide security for players, sometimes from the mere act of participation.

"Now, some people are losing and they're going to look at Instagram. They're not suffering as much anymore."

An observation without judgment, but revealing of a sport that has become professional at all levels.

Juan Mieres Maldives via Marca 2
Juan Mieres on the court at Le Meridien Resort & Spa in the Maldives via Marca

Hunger, always decisive

In this more comfortable padel setting, Mieres believes that those who maintain their "hunger" still make the difference. He cites Federico Chingotto as a perfect example.

"He's not tall, he plays against guys who are 1.90m, but he has enormous pride and fights for every ball."

A mindset forged by experience and sacrifices, far more than by pure talent.

Popularity, ego… and excess

The growing popularity of padel also has its downside.

"Yes, there's already a lot of nonsense. Fashion inflates egos."

Mieres raises a key point: celebrity can be a double-edged sword. Today, football stars are taking an interest in padel stars. Agustín Tapia exchange with Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi.

"It didn't exist before."

However, he does not reject this “footballization”, which also brings more money, more tournaments and more visibility to the sport.

The padel of tomorrow will be played primarily in the mind.

Today a coach, notably of Marta OrtegaJuan Mieres discreetly shares his experience. And on the future of the game, he is categorical:

« At a high level, padel is 60% mental. »

Physical and technical skills are important, of course, but it's the key moments, the times under pressure, that turn the tide of matches.

In this picture-postcard setting, Juan Mieres He doesn't idealize anything. He likes modern padel, accepts its excesses, but reminds us of one essential thing: at the highest level, it is always the mind and the hunger to win that make the difference.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 at Domaine De Clairis in Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his antoushiasme and his " Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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