How does Cepero approach his matches in the WPT?
Álvaro Cepero's Routines at the WPT
Álvaro Cepero is one of the standout names this season at the World Padel Tour. His tenacity and playing style have resonated deeply with fans. The results have also favored him, leading him to reach two quarter-final rounds.
His call-up to the Spanish national team among the 14 candidates to go to the World Championship in Portugal is also good evidence of this player's progression, determined to reach the top in the world of padel.
The Wingpadel player has shared his routines and habits before facing each WPT match on the brand's blog. An interesting compilation of how a top player like Cepero prepares before and after each 'battle'. Don't miss it:
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RECOGNIZING THE TERRAIN
Every time I go to a World Padel Tour tournament, I usually arrive in the host city one day in advance. This way, I get used to the climate and have enough time to scout the court. For me, it is essential to feel the ground before facing the first match.
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WAKING UP EARLY ENOUGH
If the match is played in the morning, I usually wake up early, two or three hours in advance. A shower, a good breakfast, and stretching exercises are essential before going to the facilities.
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FINAL DETAILS
Although there is already prior information work, in the hours before entering the court, I prepare the matches in more detail with both my coach and my partner's coach. It is key to know how we want to approach each duel.
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HYDRATION AND WARM-UPS
Matches are usually long, and the demands are maximum every minute. There is hardly any time for rest. That's why, about 45 minutes before each match, I dedicate myself to hydrating well and warming up intensely to enter the court, as they say, 'broken with sweat'. The goal is not to be caught off guard or with low attention in the first games.
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HABITS AND SUPERSTITIONS
I am a superstitious person, although, depending on the match, I may have more or fewer quirks. One of them, for example, is trying never to sit on the bench of the pair who just lost the previous match. I also usually listen to music before going on court to motivate myself and maintain concentration.
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EYE CONTACT WITH THE COACH
After each point, I always make quick eye contact with my coach. Many times it lasts barely a second, but it's enough to know what he's thinking at all times. That eye contact, for me, is very important.
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CAMARADERIE, THE KEY TO EVERYTHING
Padel is above all a team game. That's why I try to maintain complicity on the court at all times. Camaraderie and attentiveness are the key to everything in this game. By maintaining both, it's much easier to win matches.
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REST
After each 'battle,' it's time to rest well. When we win, the body needs to prepare for the next day's match. That's why it's essential to sleep eight hours at night. In my case, I even take a 45-minute nap whenever I can.
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RECOVERY
Closely related to the previous point is physical recovery. After each match, I go through the hands of my 'physio' to try to recover as best as possible. In padel, I consider having a good recovery specialist essential.
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PREPARING FOR THE NEXT MATCH
Before going to bed, I try to watch the next day's opponents' match. Although in padel we all know each other well, it's always important to see what moment (in terms of play and confidence) your opponent is in. Details count, and at that moment, the next duel begins to be won (or lost).
Cepero has faced his WPT matches this season with two Wingpadel padel rackets. One of them, the Air Force Carbon Oro, can be found at the best market price at StreetPadel. The other, the Air Attack, will be available very soon in our online store.
