Ahead of the 2024 America’s Cup, we reached out to the captains of each team to ask them a few questions in order to get to know them a little better before the tournament kicks off on Thursday, February 29.
Introducing Carlos Lopez, the captain of The Pad in Toronto.
(this has been edited for clarity)
Q: How did you get into Padel? And what do you love about it?
A: I heard from a few tennis guys that the first Padel club in Toronto was opening last year. It is owned by a few former tennis players that I have had the pleasure of playing against in tennis (losing against I meant). I heard there was a tournament in August (last summer) and a friend asked me to sign up for it and I said yes. We did not even have racquets or know the rules but we played it anyway and won the beginner division. From that moment on we have been trying (unsuccessfully) to get better and better. We found something we can enjoy, compete, have a workout and improve.
Q: What’s the best feature about your Padel club?
A: It’s the outdoor setup which is right next to the lake and close to downtown Toronto. It’s a great vibe.
Q: What’s your favourite pump up song? Why?
A: Enter Sandman by Metallica. Always been a Yankees fan. The best closer Mariano Rivera used the song to enter the field when it was time to close.
Q: What racquet do you use? Why did you choose that one? Any advice for newbies trying to pick one?
A: Played the tournament in August with a borrowed rental. When I won, the prize was a Wilson Blade racquet. I use Wilson for tennis so I thought I might as well use it for Padel.
Q: What do you hope to achieve as a team at the America’s Cup? And how do you rate your chances of winning?
A: I hope to have a few super, uber, exciting days, great competition and seeing The Pad team find new gears to squeeze as many points as possible. Head up high. Fight until the last point.
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Here’s Toronto’s roster in full: Meet “The Pad“.
You can visit The Pad here.
