Sam Jones: “Because of Brexit in Dubai…”

Sam Jones: “Because of Brexit in Dubai…”

Sam Jones has a very special story. The London player has decided to leave his native United Kingdom to pursue his dreams as a professional paddler. Paddle Magazine meets him in Cairo.

Brexit in Dubai. because of

Paddle Magazine: Your story is unique. How does a London professional start a paddler career?

Sam Jones:“I started playing tennis at age 3. When I was 14 or 15, paddle came into my tennis club. At the end of the year, I played more paddle than tennis! A year later I went to Marbella to train Went, then went to Barcelona. I started to take it more seriously, especially playing on the Catalan circuit. At that time there were really no international tournaments yet.

“Since Brexit I need a visa to live in Spain, and during this process I can’t stay there. So I’ve been living in Dubai for 4 months to train. There are very good players and very good coaches .

move to pedal

Paddle Magazine: Despite all the odds in your career (Brexit, coming from a country where the paddle is not very developed…), you prove to young English people that it is possible to be a professional player.

Sam Jones:“Yes, it’s possible. Of course it’s difficult, because you have to invest. It’s a lot of hours of training, but if you really want to be a professional, you have to go to Spain or somewhere where the level is higher. England.” With the LTA in the US, the paddle has evolved over the past 6 months with more clubs, but in Europe we are still far behind. But progress has to be made.”

Paddle Magazine: You’re here in Cairo with your trainer, Jacobo Pérez Sandon. What is your relation with him?

Sam Jones:“From now on the professional circuit becomes more interesting with many international tournaments, especially with the FIP tour. My coach Jacobo is with me in Dubai for the last 3 months. It is really nice to be here with him as he takes me on the court. teaches things and he gives me a lot of advice. And the club is really good.”

“The paddle has no limits in England”

Paddle Magazine: Are you going to do more FIP Tour tournaments, and why not a new QSI/FIP circuit?

Sam Jones:“Yeah, that’s the plan. This year I want to travel a lot to play. It also allows me to explore the world.”

Paddle Magazine: What do you think of the development of paddle in England. How far can it come?

Sam Jones:“No borders. England is a great economic power. If the LTA really takes control like it is doing, we have a great chance of reaching France, Sweden, Italy or even Spain.

Paddle magazine: how to explain England’s delay in this development?

Sam Jones: “I’m not sure but I think the following reason is important. In England you have to play indoors because of the weather conditions, and it is very expensive to form a club, especially in London. But it must also be said that now the sponsors We are getting more and more support and now we will be able to move forward.

From his name we infer his Spanish and Italian origins. Lorenzo is a polyglot by sports enthusiasts: journalism by profession and programs by adoration are his two legs. He is the international gentleman of Paddle magazine. You will often see it at various international competitions, but also at major French events.

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