In her eyes, there is not only the magic of the action she has just witnessed on centre court, but also all the emotion of having met her idol, Paula Josemaria. Marika, a 26-year-old from Tarquinia, near Rome, arrived at Allianz Cloud to enjoy the show put on by the stars of padel, but an afternoon of sport turned into a memory that will stay in her heart forever.
It all began in May, when Marika wrote a heartfelt letter to the Spanish star. After learning about the young woman’s admiration for Josemaria, the organisers of the Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1 decided to arrange a surprise for her, with the help of her boyfriend, Simone. The couple had travelled more than 500 kilometres to reach Allianz Cloud and watched the match in which Josemaria and Bea Gonzalez defeated Lorena Rufo and Victoria Iglesias after almost three hours of play (6–7, 6–3, 6–2). In their next match, they will face Tamara Icardo and Claudia Jensen, who defeated Veronica Virseda and Martina Fassio (7–6, 6–1).
After the match, Simone told Marika to follow him without revealing where they were going. They got up together, walked down the stairs and made their way to the players’ area. There, waiting for her, was her idol, Paula. When she saw her, a huge smile spread across Marika’s face, accompanied by overwhelming emotion. Paula then embraced her before giving her an autographed T-shirt. The Spanish star also received a gift in return: Marika’s boyfriend, Simone, had brought Paula a glass bearing the word “Tarquinia”, the name of Marika’s hometown.
It was a simple moment, yet one that captured one of the most beautiful aspects of padel: a sport that goes beyond competition and, through its champions, creates genuine emotions. “I honestly don’t know what to say. I’m speechless. It was such a special moment for me,” Marika said. “I came with my boyfriend to enjoy some great padel, but what happened exceeded all my expectations. My legs are still shaking with excitement. Paula was so lovely to me, and I will carry the memory of this day with me forever.”