When Minter Dial created The Joy of Padel Podcast, he hoped to interview sports icons who fundamentally redefined the meaning of athletic excellence. In episode 16, Dial sits down with Roby Gattiker—an eleven-time world champion whose journey through Padel represents more than just sporting achievement. It’s a profound narrative of passion, resilience, and the transformative power of loving what you do.
At 56, Gattiker isn’t just a retired champion—he’s a living embodiment of athletic spirit. His story begins at age four, when he first picked up a tennis racket, launching a lifelong love affair with sports that would span decades. What makes his journey extraordinary isn’t just the championships, but the philosophy he developed along the way.
The Psychological Revolution of Padel
Gattiker’s transition from tennis to padel reveals a fascinating psychological transformation. He was constantly stressed in tennis, treating every match like a life-or-death battle. “I was so nervous,” he recalls. “Each match was almost life.” But Padel changed everything. Suddenly, competition became play. The pressure dissolved, replaced by pure enjoyment.
This mental shift became his secret weapon. Where other athletes crumble under pressure, Gattiker found liberation. Padel wasn’t just a sport—it was a game, a social experience that allowed players to smile even during intense competitions. “Padel is a game where you have fun from the start, you don’t have to be a professional to have fun,” he explains, highlighting the sport’s unique social DNA.
The Art of Partnership
Perhaps Gattiker’s most profound insights come from his understanding of partnership. In Padel, you’re never alone on the court. He describes partnerships as marriages, requiring deep understanding, communication, and mutual respect. With partners like Alejandro Las Vegas, he developed an almost supernatural connection—able to communicate complex strategies with just a glance.
Communication, for Gattiker, goes far beyond verbal exchanges. It’s about body language, energy, mutual encouragement, and tactical understanding. He criticizes even top players like Lebron, arguing that individual brilliance means nothing without genuine partnership.
Tactical Intelligence Over Brute Force
In an era where padel increasingly favours raw power, Gattiker stands as a testament to tactical intelligence. “Tactic is probably one of the most important things,” he emphasizes. “And to keep the tactic is so hard.” Where younger players might seek spectacular shots, he advocates for patience, strategic positioning, and disciplined play.
This approach reflects his Argentinian padel roots. Gattiker argues that Argentinian players traditionally play a smarter, more nuanced game compared to their Spanish counterparts. Their style—slower, more calculated—represents a chess-like approach to a sport often dominated by explosive power.
Ageing Gracefully: The Anticipation Advantage
Age hasn’t diminished Gattiker’s skills—it’s refined them. While younger players rely on speed, he’s mastered anticipation. “In padel, we move before,” he explains. His secret isn’t youthful reflexes, but positioning and opponent reading. He can predict shots before they happen, staying one step ahead through pure tactical awareness.
The Evolution of Padel
Watching Padel’s transformation fascinates Gattiker. From wooden rackets in Argentina to today’s high-tech equipment, the sport has undergone a radical metamorphosis. He’s both critical and appreciative, noting how rule changes and technological advances have shaped the game.
He’s particularly critical of serving rules, arguing that current regulations create a potential for manipulation. “It’s the only bad rule,” he says, highlighting how taller players can gain unfair advantages through subtle rule bending.
Wisdom Beyond the Court
What truly sets Gattiker apart is his philosophy. Mistakes are inevitable. What matters is effort, enjoyment, and maintaining tactical discipline. He doesn’t get upset when his partner makes errors—only when they’re not trying their best.
For aspiring athletes, his advice transcends padel: learn comprehensively, communicate constantly, and never lose your passion. Success isn’t about winning every point, but about loving the journey.
The Legacy of a Champion
Minter Dial’s podcast episode with Roby Gattiker is more than a sports interview. It’s a masterclass in athletic philosophy, revealing how true champions are defined not by trophies, but by their approach to competition and life.
Want the full, unfiltered story? Dive into The Joy of Padel Podcast, episode JOPS02E16. Prepare to be inspired by a legend who didn’t just play the game—he reimagined it.
Pro tip: Listen with an open mind. Gattiker’s wisdom applies far beyond the padel court, offering life lessons that can transform how we approach challenges, partnerships, and personal growth.
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