Nicole Vincenti’s journey from modeling to padel passion
The third episode of Padel People, hosted by the channel, spotlights Nicole Vincenti—a well-known model and content creator whose enthusiasm for padel has become a defining aspect of her lifestyle. With a substantial following of 360,000 Instagram followers, Nicole’s presence extends beyond the runway and into the growing world of padel, where she’s quickly made a name for herself as a dedicated player.
Nicole describes her modeling career as both a passion and a job, but it’s her recent immersion in padel that has truly captivated her. She began playing more seriously about a year and a half ago, after a casual introduction during the pandemic. What started as a curiosity soon evolved into a regular commitment, with Nicole now training and playing matches four to five times a week whenever her travel schedule allows.
Balancing travel, fitness, and a demanding schedule
Nicole’s modeling career takes her across Italy and abroad, but she admits that, so far, she’s only managed to play padel while at home. However, she’s planning a trip to Santo Domingo specifically to play, signaling just how central the sport has become in her life.
Her routine is anything but typical. On days without modeling assignments, Nicole dedicates her time to training, organizing future work trips, and managing her freelance business. When on set, her days are structured around light meals and long hours, but she always looks forward to returning home and, when possible, getting back on the padel court.
Despite the demands of modeling, Nicole finds that padel helps her maintain her physique and overall well-being. She works with a nutritionist but enjoys a flexible diet, crediting her genetics and the energy demands of padel for keeping her in shape. The sport, she says, allows her to balance indulgence with fitness, making her lifestyle both enjoyable and sustainable.
Choosing the right padel racket: Nicole’s approach
Equipment is a key part of Nicole’s padel journey. Recently, she became an athlete for Heros, a brand that has invested in her as an ambassador. After testing several models, Nicole settled on the Heros Patriot, a racket that immediately felt right in her hands—a rare occurrence, as she typically needs multiple sessions to decide on a racket.
- Preferred weight: Light rackets to reduce arm fatigue
- Shape: Favors teardrop (goccia) designs, but is flexible
- Balance: Medium-high balance for versatility
- Feel: Not too stiff, seeking a comfortable response
Nicole’s selection process is meticulous, focusing on comfort and playability. She notes that heavier or overly rigid rackets have caused discomfort in the past, so she prioritizes options that are easy on the arm and adaptable to her style of play.
Competitive experience and preferences in padel tournaments
While Nicole enjoys participating in tournaments, her experiences have shaped clear preferences. She has played both female-only and mixed tournaments, but finds the dynamics of mixed events less enjoyable. In her view, mixed tournaments often result in matches where the female player is targeted, reducing the fun and involvement for her. She prefers the balance and competitiveness of women’s tournaments, though she enjoys mixed matches in casual play.
Nicole usually partners with a regular teammate, though her frequent travels mean she sometimes has to adapt and play with others. She’s flexible in her court positioning, often switching between left and right sides depending on her partner and the match context.
Strengths, weaknesses, and goals for improvement
When discussing her game, Nicole identifies the backhand volley as her favorite and strongest shot, while admitting that her forehand volley is an area for improvement. She is committed to ongoing lessons, focusing on both technical and tactical growth. Nicole is particularly interested in enhancing her play on high balls and developing more decisive finishing shots.
- Strength: Backhand volley
- Weakness: Forehand volley
- Improvement focus: High balls and tactical versatility
- Preferred side: Left, for covering more of the court and leveraging her speed
Nicole’s approach to learning is proactive—she watches professional matches, especially men’s games, to draw inspiration and tactical ideas, even though she acknowledges that amateur players are often advised to study women’s matches for more relatable strategies.
Admiration for top players and what inspires her
Nicole follows the professional padel circuit closely. Her favorite male player is Agustín Tapia, whom she admires for his natural talent and ability to execute extraordinary shots with apparent ease. She appreciates players who bring something unique to the game, both technically and creatively. Among female players, her top pick is Bea González, recognized for her powerful arm and inventive play, even if she occasionally experiences lapses in focus.
Nicole is less enthusiastic about players with volatile temperaments, mentioning that she doesn’t particularly support Juan Lebrón due to his on-court demeanor, despite acknowledging his skill.
Padel as a source of well-being and community
For Nicole, padel is more than just a sport—it’s a form of therapy and a way to connect with others. She finds that playing helps her manage stress and channel negative emotions productively. The community aspect is also central; through padel, she has built friendships and enjoys the camaraderie of regular matches, both with friends and new acquaintances.
Nicole encourages others to try padel, emphasizing its benefits for both physical and mental health. The sport, she says, offers an outlet for energy and emotion, making it an ideal activity for anyone seeking balance, challenge, and social connection.
