The Joy of Padel podcast, hosted by Minter Dial and sponsored by Padel1969, recently featured Spanish professional player Marta “Martita” Ortega in its eighteenth episode of season two. The episode dives into Ortega’s experiences at Roland Garros, her adaptation to varying playing conditions, and her perspective on the sport’s evolution from World Padel Tour to FIP.
Playing at Roland Garros holds special significance for Ortega, who shared her awe at walking the same corridors as tennis legends. “Maybe my locker was from Garbine Muguruza,” she mused, highlighting the historic venue’s impact on Padel’s growing prestige. The tournament presented unique challenges, with players facing constant shifts between indoor and outdoor play due to weather conditions.
Ortega revealed her secret weapon for handling these unpredictable situations: mental preparation. She maintains daily communication with her team’s psychologist, focusing on finding positive aspects in every scenario. Whether facing sun, wind, or rain, she transforms potential obstacles into strategic advantages. “If it’s windy and you play better lobs, then maybe you will get more from it than your opponent,” she explained.
The conversation took an interesting turn when discussing court conditions across different venues. The same ball played entirely differently in Valladolid versus Rotterdam, exposing the complex relationship between altitude, coastal proximity, and playing surface. Ortega believes the sport’s future lies in finding a middle ground between extremely fast and slow courts, though she acknowledges the unique charm of adapting to varied conditions.
Perhaps the most revealing segment came when Ortega discussed partner selection. Contrary to popular belief, she doesn’t prioritise rankings. “I look for a person that trusts me, that trusts me inside the court, that believes in the project, that believes in the team,” she emphasised. This philosophy extends to her successful partnership with Sophie, where their off-court chemistry translates into powerful on-court performance.
The transition from the World Padel Tour to the FIP marks a significant shift in professional padel. While grateful for the World Padel Tour’s contribution to the sport’s growth, Ortega expressed optimism about Premier Padel’s fresh approach and commitment to securing historic venues. The discussion hints at future possibilities, including potential tournaments at prestigious locations like Wimbledon.
Regarding rules, Ortega voiced her preference for maintaining advantage points over the Golden Point system, which was implemented through a democratic process despite her opposition. She also suggested practical solutions for challenging venues, such as adjustable fence heights for men’s matches in locations like Valladolid.
The episode’s most compelling insights came from Ortega’s discussion of communication’s role in professional padel. Her partnership with Sophie demonstrates the importance of constant dialogue, both during and between points. They’ve developed an intimate understanding that allows them to read each other’s facial expressions and quickly address concerns during matches. “Today, I saw her face, and I knew something was happening,” Ortega shared, describing how this awareness helped them convert crucial points.
Their success extends beyond the court, with Ortega emphasising the importance of balancing competition with camaraderie. The team has developed their own inside jokes and ways of maintaining levity during the demanding tournament schedule. This blend of professional focus and personal connection has become their signature strength.
As Padel continues its global expansion, Ortega’s insights offer valuable lessons for players at all levels. Her emphasis on mental preparation, adaptability, and above all, communication provides a blueprint for success in this rapidly evolving sport. The full episode offers even more detailed insights into professional padel’s current landscape and its promising future.
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