Ornella Beltramino’s journey from tennis to padel prodigy
The channel introduces Ornella Beltramino, a 10-year-old padel sensation with a unique background. Born in Miami to an Argentine father and a Chicagoan mother, Ornella splits her time between Spain and Miami, but calls Spain her true home due to its vibrant padel scene. Her journey began with tennis at the age of three, which she played for six years before discovering her passion for padel at nine. The transition was natural: her father, a former professional and club owner, introduced her to the sport, and Ornella quickly found herself immersed in the competitive world of Spanish padel.
Her early exposure to both sports has given Ornella a strong technical foundation and a deep love for racket sports. She credits her father for nurturing her talent and providing the opportunity to train in both Miami and Spain, though she emphasizes that the higher level of competition and abundance of youth tournaments in Spain make it the ideal place for her development.
Training schedule, coaching, and balancing school with sport
Ornella’s weekly routine is a testament to her dedication. She trains 25 hours per week, splitting sessions between mornings with her father and afternoons with PJ Lalas, an ex-number one player. Her training is complemented by regular weekend tournaments across Spain, making for an intense but highly structured schedule.
To accommodate her demanding athletic commitments, Ornella attends online school. She typically studies for three hours in the afternoon and adds another two hours after training. This flexible approach allows her to maintain academic progress while pursuing her padel dreams, demonstrating impressive time management for someone her age.
Equipment preferences and sponsorship support
When it comes to gear, Ornella currently uses a Head Extreme Motion padel racket, having previously played with a StarVie model. She is sponsored by Head and Reserve, receiving full support in terms of equipment, apparel, and training facilities. Reserve, in particular, provides her with club access in Miami, while Head ensures she has the latest rackets and clothing. As an ambassador, Ornella recognizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude on and off the court and regularly trains at Reserve when in Miami.
- Current racket: Head Extreme Motion
- Previous racket: StarVie
- Sponsors: Head, Reserve
- Training locations: Paddle Point and Montar (Spain), Reserve (Miami)
Competitive highlights and favorite playing style
Ornella’s competitive calendar is packed, with tournaments every weekend in Spain. She recently won a tournament, adding to her growing list of achievements. Notably, she finished runner-up in a prestigious Spanish event, becoming the first American in her age group to reach such heights. Her favorite shot is the forehand volley, reflecting her aggressive, attacking style—one she models after her idols, Bea González and Paula Josemaría. She prefers playing on the left side, where she can maximize her offensive impact.
Ornella has already had the chance to rally and train with both González and Josemaría, experiences she describes as inspiring and motivating. She also enjoys playing with peers her own age, finding matches against kids more engaging and fun than those against adults, who sometimes hold back during play.
Mindset, motivation, and handling pressure
Despite her youth, Ornella displays remarkable mental strength. She has never experienced burnout in padel, unlike in tennis, and credits her love for the sport with keeping her motivated. She manages pre-match nerves by listening to music and practicing deep breathing, and she values the importance of positive energy on court—both for herself and her partner. Her celebratory fist pumps and vocal encouragement help maintain team morale.
Ornella embraces pressure, viewing it as a source of motivation rather than stress. She welcomes the challenge of having important spectators or high stakes, believing it brings out her best performance. This mindset is supported by her family and friends, who follow her progress closely and offer constant encouragement, even from afar.
Training environment, partners, and development
In Spain, Ornella trains with a competitive group that includes older boys, which she believes sharpens her defensive skills and prepares her for tougher matches. She currently partners with Martina Gandello in her age category and with Vanesa in the under-14 division. While she enjoys the camaraderie and competition with peers, she also values the learning opportunities that come from playing against stronger, older opponents.
Her training is further enhanced by fitness sessions with her father, aimed at preventing injuries and building overall athleticism. Ornella has so far avoided major injuries, a testament to her disciplined approach to physical preparation.
Ambitions, advice for young players, and the future of padel
Ornella’s ultimate goal is clear: to become the number one padel player in the world. She believes that daily effort, a positive attitude, and unwavering commitment are the keys to achieving this dream. She also hopes that, as padel grows in the USA, more opportunities—such as university scholarships—will become available for young athletes like herself.
For aspiring padel players, Ornella’s advice is simple: it’s never too late to start, and the sport offers numerous benefits, from physical fitness to mental well-being and social connection. She encourages newcomers to embrace the game’s accessibility and fun, emphasizing the importance of building strong partnerships on court.
- Dedication: 25 hours of training per week
- Favorite shot: Forehand volley
- Role models: Bea González, Paula Josemaría
- Key advice: Start at any age, focus on enjoyment, and build strong relationships with partners
Support network and life outside padel
Ornella’s achievements are supported by a close-knit family, friends, and a professional social media manager who helps her build her public profile. She remains in regular contact with relatives in Miami and enjoys their support at every stage of her journey. Outside of padel, she enjoys skiing during winter vacations and spending time with her large dog, Figo.
As she continues to compete and train at the highest level for her age, Ornella Beltramino stands out as a role model for young athletes, combining talent, discipline, and a passion for padel that promises a bright future in the sport.
