These are the current 1 numbers in the world, a position that they have ratified after the last update of the WPT Ranking. However, both the Madrid and the Canarian prefer to go step by step and know that the important thing is to maintain regularity throughout the season.
Padel World Press .- In their first campaign as a couple, Alejandra Salazar and Marta Marrero not only have become a serious alternative to the game of the Sanchez Alayeto twins, but also have been ousted from the first place in the standings. It is true that their rivals have won more titles during this season and that is an extra motivation for them, because they know they can not relax for a single second.
After their first five months as partners, they have reaped very good results although, as Alejandra said: "We still need to know more on the track and play a little for each other. We are happy but we are not satisfied. You have to polish things and keep winning tournaments. "
Do not miss the interview that both granted to the companions of World Paddle Tour.
How do you take this leadership of the female ranking?
Alejandra: We take it easy. The important thing is at the end of the year, which is what will reflect what we have done in the season. But now it's fine because it assumes that we do things right. We reached the last rounds and we have to keep working. We have just met and there is still much to improve
Marta: We do not give much importance because we believe that the important thing is to finish in that position at the end of the season. Anyway, we are not obsessed with number one.
Almost half of the season has been completed. What evaluation do you make of your performance?
A: In the tournaments we have reached four finals. We won one and the semi-finals came to almost all the final rounds. We are happy but we are not satisfied. You have to polish things and keep winning tournaments.
M: Very positive considering that we have been playing together for five months. The truth is that the results have been very good and we have fulfilled our expectations.
The Malaga final had two very different moments. A first set matched and in the second you only won one game. Why this difference? Where was the key?
A: The key was more mental and psychological. The first set was more on our part and in the last games they broke us, which perhaps made us fall a bit down. There was a doubtful ball that was chosen for them and, in the second set, we did not maintain concentration.
M: In the first race we played with enough patience and we managed to do the practice that we propose. It escaped us by small details. In the second, the patience of the first we lost and it cost us to maintain the network because they managed to win it with their balloon. We feel quite uncomfortable
They are down 2-1 in clashes with the twins… Are they still the rivals to beat? What most complicates your game?
A: Yes, of course they are the rivals to beat. They are in a very good moment and in the Spanish Championship we also face and win. It is equal in terms of victories. We know we can, but they have been together for many years and, when dealing with certain situations, they have more experience of rapport. It is a tough battle but I consider them the rivals to beat, although we should not neglect other couples who are strong.
M: They are showing that they are very strong both physically and as a game. Patty and Eli are also playing very well, as they demonstrated in the semifinals against the twins. I think the four or five first couples are rivals to beat because you can lose against anyone.
What other couples are surprising you this season?
A: With Eli and Patty, who are very strong, any confrontation is hard. Cata and Victoria also hurt you. Being a new pair you have to adapt to their game and know them to know how to play them.
M: I believe that the first four couples. Cata and Victoria are playing very well, but especially the twins and Patty-Eli. The others, for the moment, have not managed to make that leap.
In what aspects should you improve as a couple?
A: In all a little. We have been together for a short time. We still need to know each other well on the track and play a little bit for each other. You also have to know the psychological moments we have to support each other more, points that we still have to clarify and then there is the technical and tactical plan. The truth is that we have adapted well in a short time and we are happy.
M: Especially the track understanding. We have to continue making efforts to be together and train. Do not forget that she is in Madrid and I in Barcelona. Then, there are also other details like being able to play many more games.
The Open of La Nucía is approaching. How are you preparing for this tournament?
A: We are training together because we live separately and we have to make the most of the training. I will try to travel to Barcelona to continue preparing and focusing on the game that we play.
M: Right now, this week we are in Mallorca training. We are together and dedicating enough hours on the track to get the best possible.
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