He is one of the most talented players in the national padel and is part of the group of preselected to defend Spain in the XIII World Championship by National Teams. The team of the Spanish Federation presents us more closely to the Canarian player.
Padel World Press .- Like many other players of his generation, he started playing padel relatively late. After some beginnings in the world of tennis, it did not take long to change the racquet for the paddle, arriving in that way to a sport in which he has not stopped living good times.
In his list of entries, among others, the titles of Champion of Spain, European Champion or World Champion by Selections on two occasions. Current companion of Willy Lahoz, the Madrid-born one defined him as: "All technique and power".
At 38 years old, Santana still dreams of having the possibility of fighting again to win a title with the National Team ... Don't miss this interview granted to FEP colleagues.
Congratulations for being preselected. I guess I'm very happy to be on the list for another year.
The truth is yes. For us it is the maximum to be in the National Team and more in these moments, in which the padel is professionalizing so much. In addition, as it coincides with the Olympic Games, one has more worm to represent Spain if it fits in an event like a World Cup.
You have been Champion with the Spanish National Team twice, in 2008 and in 2010. How do you remember those tournaments?
We won as you say 2008 and 2010… Although I have to say that that second year was perhaps more special since I was present at the point that gave us the victory. Maybe that was the sweetest moment of my sports career. In 2014 I had to live the cross because I was also at the decisive point, where we lost. Despite this, these are moments that sport has and I remember both with great affection.
You are part of a great team, in which you combine veteran and youth. How do you see the national team this year? Do you think that mixture is positive?
It seems important to me and even necessary since the future is there ... We are talking about young players already contrasted who will not be there as Top players at all ... In the case, for example, of Lebrón, it should be said that he is already showing his head from long time. It is very important that they begin to live together and be present at these appointments to play a great role in the selection very soon.
When it comes to rivals, Argentina may be the team to beat… Despite the fact that in recent years that distance has been shortened, do you think they are still the favorites to revalidate the title?
There is less difference since for example in 2014, when we won by a point. In 2010 we also win by the minimum, which are things very equal. By contrasted players perhaps they have always had that favoritism, but each time things are more even. At the end small details are what are making a difference in the last heats. The truth is that having achieved that equality is very positive for Spain.
As for the season, you fell in the first round in Gijón, however, after the first tournament you have not gone down to the knockout stages. How do you rate this year with Willy Lahoz?
Very good, really. We start the year with problems when it comes to adapting to the track, since we are two fast game players. But then we managed to make rooms in a couple of tournaments and that gave us confidence to keep growing. Although we are no longer a rookie, never stop learning in this sport and illusion.
Having been World Champion twice with the National Team, and having a long journey in it… What do you think you can contribute to the team?
Having lived, as we mentioned before, that face and that cross in those eliminatory sessions, gives you that knowledge to be and that experience to face those difficult moments. Therefore I think it is always important to have people who can use that experience and try to counteract those complicated moments if they happen again.
A wish that you have Aday facing the end of the season in which the World is also?
I always say a lot that beyond those sporting goals to be in that Top 8, which is becoming more difficult, the desire is that you respect the injuries and can compete with that illusion and faith necessary to face a season.
From the Federation it was recalled that the news related to the XIIIº World Championship by National Teams can be followed through the hashtag # MundialPádel16 .
Image: Facebook Aday Santana
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