Maxime Deloyer, what memories do you have of last year's Brussels tournament?
”I didn't compete in the first edition. Last year, I played the first round with Clément Geens against world number ones Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia. Brussels is the moment I wait for in the year. I will play at home in front of my audience. In 2023, the moment had been magical. The crowd increases the energy and motivation.”
Brussels is the moment I wait for in the year. I will play at home in front of my audience. In 2023, the moment had been magical. The crowd increases the energy and motivation.”
What do you expect from your match on Wednesday against the 2019 world champions, Maxi Sanchez and Sanyo Gutierrez?
”The objective is to take a set. They are only playing their first tournament since they joined forces again. We will try to put them under pressure at the start of the match. We will have to make them move. This year, we will be able to use lobs because they do not have the quality of Coello and Tapia’s smashes.”
Do you often have the opportunity to play such matches?
“No not at all ! I will only play my second match in a big table on the Premier Padel. The first was a year ago in Brussels. My ranking – 160th – does not allow me to qualify for these types of meetings. Twice I had to play a final round in qualifying for a Grand Slam.”
How do you analyze your evolution?
”I have become more mature. I travel a lot and am often alone. You have to mature faster. My game is more consistent and less crazy.”
In terms of ranking, what is your craziest goal?
”The ideal would be to reach the symbolic bar of the top 100. The top 50 is not possible at present. I can compete with a top 50 or 60, but that doesn’t mean getting into the top 50.”
Lotto Brussels Premier Padel: “My career is hampered by money issues”
What is the biggest difference between a top 150 and a top 50?
”Experience, physical power and number of hours of training.”
When will a Belgian be able to claim a place in the world top?
”For the moment, Clément Geens and I are in the best position. In Belgium, we need 10 years to develop a world-class player. The level will become more and more complicated as European countries get started. Soon we will have many nationalities represented in the top 100.”
What would it take to place a Belgian in the top 30?
”A 10-12 year old kid would need to dedicate 100% to padel. Then, he should agree to move to Spain to have the infrastructure and, above all, world-class coaches and players. The child needs 1,000 precise tips to improve his game. In Belgium, our infrastructure is good, but we have neither coach nor sparring partner. In this context, you are never challenged to raise your level. But, it seems complicated to me to send a 12 year old kid abroad to experience a form of padel-study. He would be alone and uprooted. The risk that he will give up after two or three years is great. I plead more for a partnership between Belgium and Spain.”
A season costs me 40,000 to 50,000 euros”
Do you feel a political will in Belgium to move the lines?
”A federal structure would simplify the vision. If we really want to develop the high level, the federations should cover the costs of the Belgian top 10. We are still far from creating a padel-study. Like I said, if you want to be pro, you take your backpack and go to Spain.”
Financially, are you able to make a living from padel?
”I am lucky to make a living from it. I don't put much aside, but I have the freedom to play in all the tournaments I want. Recently, I won the Mol tournament which welcomed players from the top 100. I won 670 euros in prize money. We are still far from the sums of tennis. A season costs me 40,000 to 50,000 euros. I’m getting through it, but I will have to think about retraining after my sporting career.”
