Three questions to… Pat Rafter. The ‘student’ champion: “Padel like chess and I study the strongest to improve”

Yesterday the world number one in tennis and monument of ‘aussie’ sport, today an enthusiastic and diligent ‘student’ of padel with the same, identical desire to improve. At 51, Pat Rafter hasn’t lost the champion mentality: after playing two tournaments earlier this year (FIP RISE Australian Open and FIP Promotion Melbourne), the Australian continued his adventure with the ‘pala’ alongside the Australian team, in the FIP Seniors World Padel Championships held in La Nucía (Alicante). A new chapter in Rafter’s sporting life, which takes stock in the column “Three questions to…”, through which the International Padel Federation offers a fresh look at the great protagonists of this sport.

Pat, what’s it like playing padel after being a top player in tennis?

It’s a different discipline and that’s exactly why I like it. A new challenge to experience with a great desire to learn. And it doesn’t matter if my ID card is no longer in my favor, in fact, I keep trying! Among the differences, there is obviously the fact of always having a partner on the court. In padel, it’s like playing chess with opponents, you have to try to outsmart and out-strategise them.

How do you see the future of padel in Australia?

Padel in Australia is growing, it’s a gradual but steady path. We must continue to promote its spread and who knows, maybe in 10 years we’ll manage to beat Spain!

Who are your reference points among the players?

The Spaniards are very good, but I’ve seen very strong players among those who played at the FIP Seniors World Padel Championships. You always learn something by watching them play. And in general, in a tournament like this, you enjoy the feeling of team unity, you like your teammates, and you like being with them and playing together. It was very exciting for me.