Ale Salazar: “On the court for something bigger”

For someone like her, who has won 59 titles, tournaments are a fundamental part of life, professional and personal moments that shape every day of her career as a pro player. But at the FIP World Cup Pairs, Ale Salazar is experiencing new sensations, unprecedented even for a player of her experience and stature. “It’s a special moment, one of those you feel from day one”, she says during a relaxed moment at Kuwait Arena, where players these days live, train, compete, and focus 100%. “You can feel a different atmosphere, the feeling of playing for something bigger than the usual tournament goals. And even though the FIP World Cup Pairs counts for ranking points, here points aren’t the only thing that matters. Whoever wins becomes a world champion, a title every player dreams of from the very start of their career”.

A value and significance that are priceless for those, like the top players in Kuwait, who aim for achievements beyond lifting a trophy or earning prize money. “I think every player here has extra motivation. And it’s a tournament organized with a level of quality that reflects the importance of a title like this. So even though we’re at the end of the season and maybe not at full strength, it’s all balanced by the motivation that comes from wanting to keep going and try to win a title that has a truly unique value”.