“It’s an incredible sport, beautiful and spectacular. Do I play? More than enough, but I can never get enough! I’m committed to padel both on and off the court, as you know…” Tre Boston laughs heartily as he sits in the VIP stand at Allianz Cloud. His dreadlocks seem almost to come to life as the former Carolina Panthers NFL safety, a two-time Super Bowl finalist, begins talking about his great passion: padel. “Yes, it’s a real passion, and I’m involved not only on the court but also off it, helping to introduce the sport to my former team-mates and colleagues, and to everyone who loves sport.” His commitment is genuine. Last February, during the most recent Super Bowl, Tre organised the first “Padel Bowl”, bringing together former NFL players and athletes on the padel court. Needless to say, it was a success.
And that is not all. Tre Boston is also making substantial investments in the development of clubs in partnership with several companies. He arrived in Milan specifically to follow the decisive stages of the Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1, having been invited by promoter Marco Gamberale, CEO of Nsa Group. Their friendship began in Miami, where Gamberale has organised the American leg of the Premier Padel tour for the past two years. “The organisation of their tournaments is flawless; they are a model to follow. The atmosphere here is incredible. My favourite player? I really like Ale Galan, but I don’t want to slight my other friends on the tour, so I’ll say they are all so strong that it’s difficult to choose. Sanyo, Tapia, Lebron — there is no shortage of options. I’m not the one saying it; the court speaks for itself, as in this quarter-final between Lebron-Augsburger and Garrido-De Pascual.”
Shortly afterwards, Juan Lebron emerges from the players’ tunnel. They shake hands and share a warm embrace. Juan, as courteous as ever, has just secured his place in the semi-finals and takes a moment to explain himself to Tre: “Sorry I only had time for a quick hello earlier, but I was completely focused on the match. Now, though, we have all the time we need for a hug.” Greetings, pleasantries and more than one sign of a friendship that has blossomed through their shared love of the racket sport. As they part ways, Lebron starts a chant that has evidently followed Tre Boston onto the American football field: “Tre, Tre, Tre!” before heading into the press conference room.