Episode recorded in 2023
In a fascinating episode of The Joy of Padel podcast, host Minter Dial sits down with FIP #09 (as of Oct 2024) Mike Yanguas, a rising star making waves in professional Padel. Currently partnered with Franco Stupaczuk, Yanguas offers unique insights into the sport’s explosive growth and its promising future.
Born in Malaga but raised in Motril, Granada, Yanguas’s journey in Padel began at age seven under his father’s guidance. What makes this story particularly intriguing is how an injury at age 15 led to a career-defining decision. “I had an injury that is very common in football players… when I tried movements on the right side, my hip suffered much less,” Yanguas reveals, explaining his unconventional switch to playing on the right side – a move that would later prove instrumental in his professional career.
The conversation takes an exciting turn when discussing the recent merger between Premier and World Padel Tour. Yanguas’s eyes light up as he discusses Padel’s expansion to iconic venues: “We’re going to play in places that are incredible… Roland-Garros, Rome, Acapulco, Doha… Ten years ago, five years ago, we wouldn’t believe it.”
One of the most entertaining moments comes from Yanguas sharing his experiences playing with Padel legend Fernando Belasteguín. Their partnership has spawned numerous amusing incidents, with Yanguas teasing, “He tells me I have a very big nose, and I say he has a very big head.” But beyond the jokes, Yanguas offers a profound insight into learning from the legend: “You need to just sit down and listen… He makes things very simple.”
The interview takes an unexpectedly humorous turn when Yanguas shares a story about his former partner Miguel Lamperti in Sweden, involving a comical late-night mishap with Swedish bedsheets. The anecdote, involving screaming at 4 AM and mismatched sheets, showcases the lighter side of life on the professional Padel tour.
Looking toward the future, Yanguas expresses particular excitement about Padel’s potential in the American market. “If Padel touches America the right way, it’s going to be explosive,” he predicts, noting how major athletes from other sports are already gravitating toward Padel.
When asked about his ambitions, Yanguas’s response reveals his character: “Of course, everyone wants to be number one, but… I would like everyone to remember me as a good guy… a guy that worked hard for his dream.”
Want to hear more about Mike Yanguas’s journey, including his detailed insights about playing on the right side, his partnership with Belasteguín, and his thoughts on the technical evolution of Padel? The full interview is available on The Joy of Padel podcast, offering an in-depth look at one of Padel’s most promising young talents as he navigates the sport’s most exciting era yet.
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