Presented during the Bomba Experience organized by Tecnifibre, the Argentine Luciano Capra, 94th in the world, delved deeply into his journey, the economic realities of the circuit, his return after injury, and his clear vision of the evolution of padel. An insightful interview, comprehensive, without evasion.
“No, my name is not Lucho!”
“Why does everyone call you ‘Lucho’?” In Argentina, that’s how it is. Luciano becomes Lucho there, sometimes even Luis. It’s very common. Like in Spain with Paco for Francisco. But what’s funny is that in Europe, especially in Italy, many think Lucho is my real name. In Italy, ‘Lucho’ looks like ‘Lucio’, which is a name. So they think I’m called Lucio and call me Lucho for that. Whereas in reality, it’s just a typically Argentine nickname.
“Your history with padel is different from many players…”
Yes, because often players come from tennis or a family club. For me, it’s a bit of both but with a particular story. My father played tennis, then in the 90s, he started playing padel. My parents even had a club when I was very young, around 2 or 3 years old. There are photos of me there. But then, when padel declined in Argentina, they closed the club. So, I grew up without padel structure. I started with tennis at 5 years old. Then around 10-11, I started playing padel, but only for fun. And I insisted with my parents to play more. At that time, padel was declining in Argentina. But there was a small school run by Marcelo Lupo, who unfortunately passed away recently. I always keep him in my heart. He taught me the basics. I’m extremely grateful to him. That’s also where I built a very strong group of friends. And that played a lot into my decision to continue: the enjoyment and human relationships.
“It is necessary to have parents who can help you…”
“When did you realize that this could become your life?” Very early, it was going well for me. I had a tennis foundation. At 13, I started participating in youth tournaments to qualify for the world championships. That year, we finished as the number 1 pair in Argentina, so we qualified. The 2007 world championship was a key moment. I was 13-14 years old. It was the first time I saw players from other countries. It opened my eyes. I understood that padel existed elsewhere. It was a before/after. I loved that experience, discovering other cultures, other players. From then on, I wanted to make it my life.
“In Spain at 18, was it an obvious choice?” Yes, but it wasn’t simple. I was fortunate to have parents who could help me. In Argentina, at 18, often a car is offered. My parents let me choose: the car or go to Spain with their financial support. I chose Spain. They financed me at the beginning. Then, gradually, I started to fund myself, until becoming independent around 2015.
“The sport is growing but it still costs more…”
“What do you take away from this evolution?” I experienced the Padel Pro Tour, then the World Padel Tour, and now the current circuit. Padel is constantly evolving. Very fast. Perhaps too fast. Today, we are in a phase where the sport is growing tremendously internationally. But the earnings do not necessarily follow this growth, especially for players outside the top. Before, earnings were lower, but costs were also lower. 80 to 90% of the tournaments were in Spain. We shared cars, expenses. Today, you travel around the world. Costs explode: flights, hotels, staff, physical preparation…
“So entering the circuit is more complicated today?”
Much more. The initial investment is enormous. Yes, earnings have increased. But expenses have increased even more. And especially, the money for the top players doesn’t just come from tournaments. It comes from sponsors, exhibitions, events. So the gap is widening significantly. Before, there was less of a difference between a top player and an intermediate player. Today, the gap is much larger.
“For the best, they may not have to work after their career…”
“You talk about a sport that is becoming elitist?” Yes. If you don’t have the means – family or sponsors – you can stay on the sidelines, even with talent. It’s a reality. And at the same time, for those who reach the top, the future is much more promising. Today, a top player can consider not working after their career. Before, this was not the case.
“Today, from what ranking can you make a living from padel?”
I would say that some players around the top 70-80 can make a living, but by doing something else on the side. To solely live off the main circuit, you need to be in the top 30. But there are more opportunities today: exhibitions, parallel circuits, events like the PPL, tournaments in Russia… These are not competing circuits like before with A1, but additional activities.
“But you still have to stay on the main circuit?”
Yes, because these opportunities seek well-ranked players. So you are still dependent on the main circuit.
“My priority: to be in good health…”
“You are currently experiencing a complicated period after injury…”
Yes, I was stopped for 6 months. And in the current system, you have to count 22 tournaments. Today, I count 10 or 12. So I still have a lot of points to recover. Even if I have average results, I will rise. So my current ranking does not reflect my real level. But honestly, that’s not my priority.
“What is your priority?” To be in good health, regain my level, feel competitive. If I am well, I know that I can beat anyone. And that’s what motivates me.
“Is managing partners difficult in these periods?”
Yes and no. It’s the reality of padel. When I got injured, I played with Juanlu Esbrí. I immediately told him to find someone else. It’s normal. The ranking is individual. If you don’t play, you go down. And you deserve your ranking.
“But mentally, it’s not simple…”
No, because you also depend on your partner. But in the end, everyone gets the partner they deserve at a given moment. If you play well, better players will call you.
“You give the example of Aimar Goñi…”
Yes, I played with him. I knew he would quickly be called by better-ranked players. He has great potential. And it’s logical. I’m 32, he’s 20. We’re not in the same phase.
“Long careers will be increasingly difficult…”
“Can long careers still be done today?”
I think it will become increasingly rare. Before, players like Miguel Lamperti, Belasteguín, or others played until 40-45. Today, with the level of young players, physical demands, travels… it’s much harder.
“Comparing generations, is it relevant?”
No, it’s unfair. Padel has evolved so much in 10-15 years that it’s not comparable. Today, Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello have a higher level, but thanks to the overall evolution of the sport. In 20 years, others will be even better.
“Have you faced Belasteguín and Juan Martín together?”
No, never together. Separately yes, but never as a pair. But in their time, their level was completely insane. Like today with Tapia and Coello. Every era has its references.
“No matter who you are, you say yes to LeBron”
“Tapia / Coello are they unbeatable?”
If they are at their best, they are very difficult to beat. Physically, they have a huge advantage. But players like Chingotto and Galán do an incredible job to compete, especially mentally.
“What is your goal for the end of the season?”
No ranking goal. It’s a transition year after the injury. My goal is to feel good, competitive, and regain my level.
“Last question: if Juan Lebrón calls you tomorrow?”
If Juan Lebrón calls, you say yes. No matter who you are, except perhaps the first two pairs. He is an exceptional player. Yes, it can be difficult to manage. But if you are smart and mentally ready, the level he brings is unique. It’s up to you to adapt. Like Belasteguín did with Juan Martín Díaz for years. If you can handle the pressure, it’s an opportunity you can’t refuse.
