We met I fight Capra when Paris Major at Roland-Garros. Back on the circuit after a meniscus tear which kept him away from the slopes for more than six months, the Argentinian, current 60th in the world in the FIP ranking, tells us about his mental battle, his rehabilitation, his first tournaments and his ambitions for the future.

An expected return after more than six months of hiatus

The Argentinian player, Luciano “Lucho” Capra, looks back on his long fight against an injury that kept him away from the slopes for more than six months.

"Today I feel 100% good," he explains from the outset. For him, the important thing was not so much the doctor's call as the strict respect for recovery times.

The progression has been slow, sometimes frustrating, but always under control. Each step has been followed rigorously, and the first tournament results confirm that the work accomplished has paid off. Returning to the highest level after such a long absence, with the same commitment, is for him proof that his rehabilitation has been carried out in the best possible way.

The hardest part: the mind

When asked what was more difficult – the pain, the missed competition or the feeling of wasted time – Capra leaves no doubt: “The hardest part, without hesitation, is the mental aspect.”.

The physical pain varies from day to day: sometimes more intense, sometimes more bearable. But nothing compares to the psychological ordeal. "Many times, you become your own enemy," he confides. Every step backward becomes a struggle to keep moving forward, without being trapped by doubts.

For Capra, it is this inner battle that exhausts the most. But he also insists: these obstacles end up strengthening and making them stronger. Even if some things are still a little more difficult today, he is convinced that this experience has given him additional weapons for the future.

Support and advice for other injured players

The Argentinian player also mentions the case of the French number 1, Thomas Leygue, recently had Achilles tendon surgery. "He had surgery with my doctor and did rehabilitation with my physiotherapist. We're pretty connected," Capra says.

Although he hasn't had any lengthy direct discussions with him, he regularly checks in with his staff. "I've been told he's doing very well mentally, and that's the most important thing. The first few months are crucial, because that's when you feel the greatest progress," he says.

Capra is optimistic about Leygue's return: "He's still young, he has time to return to the highest level."

Between doubts and nice surprises on the court

After his victory at the FIP Silver in Isle of Palma and his debut in Madrid, Capra admits to feeling a great deal of uncertainty: "You always think you'll come back in the best possible way, but often the reality isn't the same."

The Isle of Palma marked a turning point: he felt good, confident, and won all his matches in straight sets. In Madrid, despite a defeat against a formidable pair, he rediscovered his taste for competition. Then, in Paris, he secured his first important victory, synonymous with relief: "Competition against the best again and feeling competitive against the best pair in the world was a special moment."

The importance of FIP tournaments

Capra emphasizes the role of FIP tournaments in his gradual return: "First of all, I wanted to get back into competition before playing Premier again." These tournaments allowed him to "get rid of the nerves" and regain confidence before tackling the main draws.

But beyond the psychological aspect, he recalls that these tournaments also bring a lot of valuable points, essential after losing half a season of competition.

Strong and selected partnerships

Capra also talks about his various associations on the circuit: with Maxi, Godo and Rami, he says he has always been able to maintain a good friendship off the pitch. "I've been lucky enough to have good relationships with most of my teammates," he emphasizes.

Regarding his current association with Aimar Goñi, he clarifies: "It was a real choice, not an obligation." After some hesitation, he chose to commit to this young 19-year-old player, who had just had a very good tournament in Tarragona.

For Capra, experience should serve to frame Aimar's potential: "I will try to bring my experience and everything I can to the track. I hope that one day I will call him higher and higher... and that he will let me, because that will mean that we have worked well."

A short and expensive career

Asked about the economic aspect of the job, Capra is clear-headed: "The life of a padel player is short."

The cost of staying competitive has skyrocketed in recent years. Even though tournament prize money and sponsorship revenue are increasing, the reality is different depending on the ranking. "The best players in the world earn more money, but for mid-ranked players, it's much more complicated," he explains.

To stay at the top of your game, it's no longer enough to have a coach. You also need a fitness trainer, a nutritionist, and sometimes even a psychologist. "All of this represents a huge cost," insists the Argentinian. Added to this are the constant travel requirements of an increasingly globalized circuit.

Capra also warns about the impact on young people: "We must try to reduce the economic impact so that new talent has a chance to reach the top. Otherwise, some will stay on the path simply for financial reasons."

The objectives for the future

After this long downturn, Capra wants above all to savor the pleasure of playing again. No numbers, no ranking displayed: "For the moment, I'm very happy to be competing and feeling competitive. My goal is to finish the year healthy and play as well as possible."

A clear message: after going through a mentally and physically demanding ordeal, I fight Capra now wants to find regularity and serenity. The rest will follow.

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