Miguel Lamperti’s journey: resilience, recovery, and life beyond the court
The channel Mejora Tu Padel sits down with Miguel Lamperti for a candid conversation that goes far beyond his achievements on the padel court. Lamperti opens up about the life-changing car accident he suffered in Brazil, the personal challenges he’s faced, and the values that have shaped his career. His story is one of resilience, humor, and a deep love for both the sport and the people around him.
Surviving a devastating accident and its lasting impact
One of the most striking moments in the interview is Lamperti’s recollection of a serious car accident that occurred in Brazil nearly two decades ago. He describes how, after saving up his first significant earnings from padel, he bought a car that was destroyed just days later in the crash. Lamperti shares that he has no memory of the accident itself, only waking up a day and a half later, heavily bandaged and with multiple injuries.
He suffered six broken ribs and a significant loss of respiratory capacity in the aftermath. Despite the severity, Lamperti’s recovery was marked by determination and a touch of humor, as he recalls teammates joking about his struggles to catch his breath. Over time, he gradually regained his strength, though he still carries a physical reminder—a rib that never fully healed.
Embracing mental health and the importance of support
Lamperti discusses a pivotal moment in his career when, after a particularly challenging season with a young partner, he decided to seek help from a psychologist. The experience, he says, was transformative. He emphasizes that seeing a psychologist is not just for moments of crisis, but can be a valuable tool for anyone seeking an outside perspective and genuine support. Lamperti encourages others in the sport to embrace mental health as an essential part of personal and professional growth.
Defining the greats: insights on top padel players and coaches
The creator asks Lamperti to describe several of the sport’s leading figures. His responses are both insightful and personal:
- Arturo Coello: A machine, intensely focused on his goals and driven by an incredible hunger for success.
- Juan Lebrón: Unique, different, and unpredictable—Lamperti calls him a “beautiful madman” whose energy and rhythm changes make him stand out.
- Juan Martín Díaz: Lamperti’s idol, a genius who changed the game and set a new standard in padel history.
- Fernando Belasteguín: The perfection of how to play padel, teaching everything that should be done right on the court.
- Agustín Tapia: A player with unmatched talent, doing things no one else can and bringing a new dimension to the game.
When it comes to coaching, Lamperti divides the role into two crucial areas: training during the week and managing matches from the bench. He highlights Gustavo Prato as the best weekday coach he’s had, and Carlitos Pozzoni as unmatched on the bench. Lamperti also sees great potential in recently retired players transitioning into coaching roles, provided they can make the mental shift from player to mentor.
Personal rituals, tattoos, and the meaning of destiny
Beyond the court, Lamperti reveals the personal symbols that keep him grounded. He discusses his tattoos, many of which are tributes to his family, including one dedicated to his mother that he got after her passing. He also wears a chain with a pendant of deep sentimental value, gifted by his sister and his ex-wife, both connected to his mother’s memory.
Lamperti believes strongly in destiny, referencing a favorite film and an Arabic word he has tattooed, which means “the destiny is already written.” For him, life’s events—both good and bad—happen for a reason.
Memorable matches and career highlights
Reflecting on his career, Lamperti singles out several matches as particularly meaningful. Winning the World Championship with the Argentinian national team stands out as a unique honor, especially since he had missed previous opportunities due to injury or strong competition for places. He also recalls winning his first Padel Pro Tour in Mar del Plata in 2009, a victory made even sweeter by the presence of his family.
Lamperti doesn’t shy away from discussing defeats, including a memorable run in 2016 when he beat Juan Lebrón multiple times, only for Lebrón to later turn the tables. He admires Lebrón’s relentless drive and humility, noting that even after victories, Lebrón is back training the next day, always hungry for more.
Life off the court: poker, cooking mishaps, and Friday rituals
Outside padel, Lamperti enjoys poker, drawn by his love of numbers and the solitude the game offers. He once studied the game seriously but found it less engaging when he started to excel, preferring the challenge of learning new variants.
In the kitchen, Lamperti admits to being completely out of his depth, relying on family and friends for meals and recounting humorous disasters from his early days in Spain. He jokes about being the perfect tenant—never using the kitchen and never causing trouble.
His famous “Viernes de Lamperti” (Lamperti Fridays) are simple: after training, he enjoys a shower, a visit to the casino, dinner with friends, and, above all, the company of those he cares about. For Lamperti, padel is central to his life—he estimates it makes up 90% of his world—but family, friends, and enjoying life are just as important.
Legacy, regrets, and advice for the next generation
Looking back, Lamperti says he would live his career the same way, despite suggestions that he could have reached number one with more discipline. He admits to loving life and enjoying the journey, never compromising his values or succumbing to unhealthy habits. He’s proud of having spent 15 years among the world’s top 10 and sees every defeat as a lesson from someone better on the day.
For Lamperti, the greatest reward is not the titles, but the affection and memories shared with fans and fellow players. His story is a testament to passion, resilience, and the joy of living fully—on and off the padel court.
