He has spent a lifetime dedicated to this sport and, at 2015, he has completed his best performance in the Professional Circuit. Accompanied by Marta Marrero, the Madrilenian has decided to assume the tactical leadership of the couple and that new role has allowed her to grow a lot in all senses.
Padel World Press .- Consolidated as members of the couple number 2 of the Ranking World Pádel Tour, Ale and Marta have surprised everyone for their quick adaptation and for the good results obtained within the track, which has helped them to win 2 tournaments (San Fernando and Valencia ) in addition to winning the Estrella Damm Masters Finals.
Very happy for the evolution she has experienced in her game, Alejandra herself acknowledged: "Now I am much more complete, not only in attack, which is my strong point, but also in defense and in raising the strategy. I have learned a lot; Having to guide my partner has made me constantly recycle and propose solutions to face the other tough rivals that we face. "
Do not miss this interview granted to the companions of World Paddle Tour
Let's take stock of the 2015 season, in your first year with the Canary Islands
We started with great enthusiasm. We had both finished the previous season with very good results alongside our former teammates and we were aiming for the top, to number 1. We knew it was a difficult challenge in our first year. Changing partners is difficult, it takes time. We have made an effort from the whole team, from Madrid and from Barcelona to adapt quickly but, as is evident, it takes time and that has hurt us compared to other pairs that have already been together for several years. The balance is very positive. We have gone from less to more. Finishing the year by winning the last two tournaments was special, not only because of the feeling of having won, but also because of the feeling that we had evolved. We have played in the last 3 months much more empathetic, with very clear ideas and that has been noticed. It was noticed in Valencia and in the Final Masterss.
There have been tough times in the season. Many Untitled Finals ...
The injury to Marta's wrist was decisive. I lived from outside, from a distance, and as she is rather reserved, I never really knew how bad it was happening. Later he confessed it to me. She told me she was worried and off center. The doctors assured him that if he did not recover, he would have to operate. And of course, having that restlessness in his mind prevented him from playing calmly. Although it was the left wrist, she uses it a lot for the reverse. If they had to operate it was a problem. And for me not knowing how to help her was very difficult.
But you came out ahead ... What do you think have been the keys to Salazar-Marrero's success?
At the beginning of the season, when we were facing a couple for the first time, we were basically trying to see where to put the ball and where we could attack them. But as the year went by, we have brought out those same games with more clarity. Salazar-Marrero's key has been to be very aggressive and to be very well physically, especially at the end of the season.
What can we expect from Salazar-Marrero for 2016?
Our goal in 2015 was already to be number 1 although we knew it was difficult. But this year we are already much more connected, we know each other much more and we know how to pull each other in difficult times. This 2016 we do believe that we can go for the first place in the Ranking.
How have you seen the season of the Women's Circuit World Padel Tour?
There has been much less battle for number 1. With the twins unbeaten, we already knew mid-season that they would finish at the top. In the 2014 season, the first place was disputed until the last tournament. Although, on the other hand, this year we have experienced incredible level games that have not been seen before.
Marta and you did not know each other at first. Are you already friends off the track?
I remember the first time I traveled from Madrid to Barcelona to train with Marta. I had barely exchanged three words with her in my entire life. It was my first weekend there and I was staying at her house, with her husband, whom I didn't know at all. And on top of that it was January 16, her birthday, and of course, she had to bring her a gift. He did not know what to give her, he did not know his tastes. Fortunately I opted for a bag and she really liked it (laughs). Anecdotes aside, our relationship off the track is great. We are the same age and have very similar tastes. In addition, what fascinates me the most about her is how quickly she has evolved in this sport to have only been in it for four years. I am delighted with her, willing to continue helping her in whatever way I can.
And so that everything is not positive, what is the Achilles heel of this couple?
(laughs) Do I have to tell it publicly? We need to connect more, get to know each other even better. There is still much to improve ...
At the end of January, Alejandra will return to Barcelona, where she will spend almost a month with her partner to prepare for the 2016 season.
As they claim from World Paddle Tour: Let the rivals tremble !!
Photos: PadelGood
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