Nico Clerc’s journey from tennis to padel and his Argentine roots
The episode dives straight into Nico Clerc’s lifelong connection with racquet sports, tracing his origins back to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Growing up in a family deeply involved in tennis, Nico spent over 30 years on the tennis courts, both in Argentina and later in the United States, where he attended college on a tennis scholarship. Despite padel’s popularity in Argentina during the 1990s, Nico’s early focus remained on tennis, guided by his father’s advice to pursue the sport for educational opportunities abroad. However, padel was never far from his life—his father introduced the family to the sport, and Nico’s early memories include watching his father and older brothers play at their local club.
It wasn’t until much later, after his college years and while living in the U.S., that Nico’s passion for padel reignited. The channel highlights how this transition was not only a shift in sport but a profound personal transformation, with Nico’s family even remarking on the new energy and enthusiasm he brought home after discovering padel.
Transitioning from tennis to padel: challenges and advantages
The creator explores the technical and mental adjustments required for a tennis player to excel at padel. Nico explains that while his tennis background provided him with powerful smashes and strong net play, the transition was far from seamless. The most significant challenge was adapting to the back wall defense—a fundamental aspect of padel that is virtually absent in tennis. Nico admits that mastering the walls and developing patience in defensive play remain ongoing areas for improvement.
Interestingly, Nico credits his experience in platform tennis as a valuable stepping stone. Platform tennis, with its smaller court and strategic demands, helped him develop patience and a more tactical approach, which proved beneficial when learning padel. However, he notes that padel’s faster pace and the ability to win points with aggressive shots reignited his competitive spirit in a way that platform tennis never did.
Discovering the padel community in the United States
Nico’s journey into American padel began in New York at Paddle House in Williamsburg, the city’s only padel club at the time. His dedication was evident—waking up at 5:30 a.m., driving long distances, and balancing work commitments just to get court time. This commitment eventually led him and his family to relocate to Miami, a decision driven entirely by his passion for padel and the sport’s growing presence in Florida.
The reviewer emphasizes how Nico’s story reflects the infectious nature of the padel community in the U.S.—a network of enthusiasts willing to make significant life changes for the sport. Miami, with its expanding tournament scene and vibrant clubs, became the perfect environment for Nico to immerse himself fully in padel.
Competing at the highest level: LA Beats and the PPL
Nico’s competitive journey took a major leap when he joined the LA Beats in the Pro Padel League (PPL). The opportunity arose through connections at Paddle House, where coach Diego Salazar invited him to enter the league’s draft. Out of over 500 applicants, Nico was selected—a testament to his rapid development and dedication.
Although his participation was limited by work commitments, Nico describes the atmosphere at the league’s opening events in Tampa as “unbelievable.” Practicing alongside elite players like Sanyo Gutiérrez and Luis Estrada provided invaluable insights into advanced strategy and the professional mindset required at the top level. The reviewer notes that while the league faced typical growing pains, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, with immense potential for future growth.
Coaching philosophy and leading the US Senior National Team
Beyond his playing career, Nico has taken on a leadership role as the USPA US Senior National Team captain. Drawing on his coaching experience in tennis, platform tennis, and even pickleball, he aims to build a successful senior team for the upcoming Pan American championships. Nico acknowledges the learning curve but believes his passion and diverse background will help foster a competitive and supportive team environment.
The channel highlights Nico’s holistic approach—emphasizing not just technical skills but also the importance of team culture, adaptability, and continuous improvement. His appointment is seen as a promising step for the development of senior padel in the United States.
Personal preferences, favorite gear, and on-court style
The episode offers a glimpse into Nico’s personal padel preferences:
- Favorite shot: Overhead smash
- Favorite racket: Adidas Metalbone Hard
- Favorite professional player: Coello
- Preferred side: Right side (as a lefty)
- Best chemistry with: Raul Ruiz (his tournament partner)
- Favorite trick shot: Overhead off the back wall
- Opinion on golden point rule: Loves it for its dynamic pressure
He candidly admits that his weakest area is handling double-wall shots, particularly deciding how and where to turn. Despite these challenges, his aggressive play and competitive mindset have already led to tournament victories, including his first USBA title with partner Raul Ruiz.
Vision for padel’s future and community impact
The reviewer concludes by emphasizing Nico’s role as both a player and ambassador for padel in the United States. His story exemplifies the sport’s ability to inspire lifelong athletes to embrace new challenges and foster community. Nico’s move to Miami, his commitment to daily practice, and his leadership in national competitions all reflect a broader trend: padel is rapidly gaining traction in America, attracting passionate players from diverse backgrounds.
- Dedication: Practices daily, often at clubs like Winwood, Real Padel, Ultra, and Open Padel
- Community focus: Values indoor clubs for their accessibility and comfort
- Personal life: Relocated to Miami for padel and family, expecting his first child
Nico Clerc’s journey, as shared on Padel Smash Academy, highlights the transformative power of padel and its growing influence in the U.S. racquet sports landscape.
