The applause of the Allianz Cloud and a hug with Ale Salazar. Martina Calvo celebrates her victory in the round of 16 at the Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1 after one hour and forty-five minutes of battle against home favorite Carolina Orsi and Martina Fassio. “In the second set we were up a break but didn’t close the match,” said Martina. “In the third, we were very good at saving four break points and gained confidence.”
An incredible result for Martina, who loves not only padel but also football. “In Italy I follow Inter’s results, but I’m still a Barcelona fan,” said the 2008-born player from Pamplona. “When I was twelve, I also played a few tournaments with Osasuna, but after the tryouts they never called me back. My coach at the time told me to focus only on padel, especially because I liked it much more.” And luckily she did — considering her results: Martina is the first player in the history of the Premier Padel circuit to reach five semifinals before turning 17.
Her rise has been fast, with a clear turning point: “I realized I could compete at a high level in the quarterfinals in Malaga. The top pairs in the world have a different rhythm and other goals, but if I’m at my best, I can compete with anyone. I’m proud because I’ve been training for years with this goal in mind.”
A lot of focus and hard work: there’s no space for distractions or superstitions before matches. “I try not to have rituals, because if one day I can’t do them, I get anxious,” confessed the smiling “Niña Maravilla of padel.” “But of course, I eat healthy and try to sleep well the night before matches to feel full of energy. I want everything that depends on me to be done the best way possible.”
And it’s that attention to detail that makes the difference, especially when the pressure increases, as it has in recent weeks. “Today’s match against Carolina and Martina was a good example. We had the pressure to win for the ranking, and it’s not easy. Two months ago, it was different — the others had the pressure when they played against me. I try to think about all the work I’ve done and remind myself that I can win, that I’m ready.”
And when victory comes, her first thought goes home: “As soon as I leave the court, I call my parents or my coach. They’re the first people I share everything with.”