Lucas Campagnolo reflects on his partnership with Maxi Sánchez and the evolving padel circuit
The reviewer from Padel Review sits down with Lucas Campagnolo, a prominent player on both the Premier Padel and World Padel Tour circuits, to discuss the early stages of his season alongside Maxi Sánchez. Campagnolo expresses clear satisfaction with their partnership, emphasizing the value of working with someone as experienced and hardworking as Maxi. He notes that their collaboration is progressing well, even if recent tournament results have not always reflected their efforts. The Brazilian highlights the unpredictable nature of the current padel circuit, where the level of competition is so balanced that a team can exit in the first round one week and reach the semifinals the next.
Campagnolo credits Maxi for helping him improve as a player, and he is optimistic about their continued development as a pair. He stresses the importance of patience and commitment, especially in a landscape where frequent changes in partnerships are becoming the norm.
Positional preferences: right or left, and the impact on career longevity
When asked about his preferred position on the court, Campagnolo offers an insightful perspective. While he finds playing on the left side more entertaining, he feels more secure and comfortable playing professionally on the right. He believes that the right side requires less movement, which not only suits his style but could also help extend his career by reducing physical strain. This practical approach underlines his commitment to long-term performance and consistency at the highest level.
He also acknowledges that, for many players, the left side is more glamorous, but for him, the right side offers a better balance between enjoyment and professional stability.
Changing partnerships and the volatility of the pro padel scene
The reviewer and Campagnolo discuss the recent trend of frequent partner changes among top players. Campagnolo references the much-anticipated pairing of Agustín Tapia and another top player, recalling a practice match where he and Maxi managed to win all three sets against them. Despite initial doubts about the new duo’s potential, he ultimately praises their skill and expects them to compete at the highest level throughout the season.
Campagnolo voices some skepticism about the rapid turnover of partnerships, especially when teams split after only a few tournaments. He questions whether this approach is truly beneficial, suggesting that not every tournament can be won and that long-term projects deserve more patience. He reaffirms his commitment to Maxi Sánchez, stating that he sees no reason to change partners so early in their collaboration.
Inside the Drop Shot Explorer Pro 5.0: Campagnolo’s racket of choice
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Campagnolo’s trusted racket, the Drop Shot Explorer Pro 5.0. He confirms that the model he uses is identical to the one available in stores, emphasizing the consistency and reliability he has found across five generations of this racket. Since first adopting the Explorer Pro in 2018, Campagnolo has requested the same specifications for each new edition, citing the comfort and confidence it provides on court.
He describes the racket as round-shaped with a particularly large sweet spot, making it forgiving and easy to play with. According to Campagnolo, the racket’s design allows the ball to respond well regardless of where it is struck, which is especially valuable in high-pressure matches. The comfort and playability of the Explorer Pro 5.0 are key factors in his continued loyalty to the model.
- Model: Drop Shot Explorer Pro 5.0
- Shape: Round
- Sweet spot: Very large and forgiving
- Edition: Fifth generation (since 2018)
Personalized racket setup: weight, grips, and overgrips
Campagnolo prefers a lightweight racket, specifying that his Drop Shot Explorer Pro 5.0 weighs just 360 grams. This lighter weight allows for quicker reactions and faster play at the net, which aligns with his style and strategic preferences. He also details his unique grip setup, using two overgrips: the first is wrapped with extra turns at the base for added comfort and control, while the second is applied more conventionally up to the top of the handle. This customization ensures a secure and comfortable hold, tailored to his personal needs during intense matches.
- Weight: 360 grams
- Grip setup: Two overgrips (one with extra turns at the base, one standard)
Campagnolo’s advice for aspiring players and fans
Throughout the discussion, Campagnolo encourages players and fans to try the Drop Shot Explorer Pro 5.0 for themselves, noting that the retail version matches his professional specifications. He believes that the racket’s comfort, large sweet spot, and ease of use make it suitable for a wide range of players, from amateurs to professionals. His endorsement is grounded in years of consistent performance and satisfaction with the model.
For those considering a change in equipment or seeking a reliable, player-approved racket, Campagnolo’s experience with the Explorer Pro 5.0 offers valuable insight. The combination of lightweight design, forgiving sweet spot, and customizable grip makes it a standout choice in the current padel market.
