Ortega: “Here you play to make history”

Yesterday, sitting in the stands of Court 3, she watched Giorgia Marchetti and Lea Godallier, who she will face in a few hours on the main court at Arena Kuwait. Marta Ortega feels this FIP World Cup Pairs and is happy to share the many nuances of a tournament that isn’t, and can’t be, like the others. “Being here means trying to make history”, she explains. “As professional players, we take every tournament seriously, but this title is different. It’s an intense week, and since it only happens every two years, that makes it even more special”

Marta talks about the mindset shift needed when, with the final phase of the Premier Padel season still ongoing, you have to prepare for a World Championship: “You need a change of mentality. We realize it’s not a normal tournament, and I think once you’re on the court, you immediately feel the difference. You might think all tournaments are similar, since players come from all over the world and everyone knows each other. But here, you really understand that you’re playing for something unique”.

Then Ortega reflects on the FIP World Cup Pairs project: “I think it’s a great idea to bring back the concept of a World Championship for pairs. Besides the Premier tournaments and FIP events we compete in throughout the year, having a tournament where the world crown is at stake is crucial, especially because it helps padel gain more recognition as a sport. Competing in a regular circuit isn’t the same — playing to become world champion is a whole different experience”.