Pablo Rodriguez shares insights at Reserve Padel Miami’s pro-am event
The Smash Flash Interviews series from Padel Smash Academy kicked off with a rapid-fire session featuring Pablo Rodriguez, a well-known figure in the padel community. The interview took place at Reserve Padel Miami during a special pro-am tournament, where Rodriguez played a key organizational role. The event brought together 48 participants—24 pairs, each consisting of a professional and an amateur—competing for $4,000 in cash prizes and exclusive custom suits from Beast Club, a tailor-made suit company based in Brickell, Miami.
Behind the scenes: tournament organization and atmosphere
Rodriguez explained that his involvement extended beyond playing—he was actively helping with logistics and coordination alongside Joseph, another organizer. The tournament’s format, pairing pros with amateurs, created a dynamic and inclusive environment. With notable sponsors and unique prizes, the event aimed to elevate the padel experience for all participants.
The presence of tailor-made suit prizes from Beast Club added a touch of luxury, highlighting the growing prestige and lifestyle appeal of padel events in Miami.
Pablo Rodriguez’s playing style and preferences on court
During the quick-fire questions, Rodriguez revealed several personal preferences and insights into his playing style:
- Preferred side: Left
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor
- Power vs. finesse: Finesse
- Favorite club: Reserve Padel Miami
He emphasized his preference for finesse over raw power, suggesting a strategic and technical approach to his game. When asked about his best shot, Rodriguez confidently mentioned the “by three” (bandeja or vibora shot out of the court), citing his strong confidence in executing it. However, he candidly admitted that his backhand volley is his weakest shot, demonstrating a balanced self-awareness of his strengths and areas for improvement.
Equipment choices: racket and professional inspiration
Rodriguez named the Adidas Metalbone HRD as both his favorite and current racket. This model is also used by his favorite professional player to watch, Alejandro Galán. The Metalbone HRD is known for its power-oriented design and customizable weight system, making it a popular choice among advanced players who value adaptability and precision.
His alignment with Galán in both racket choice and admiration underscores Rodriguez’s commitment to high-performance gear and a professional mindset on court.
Partnerships and memorable moments in competition
When asked about his favorite partner, Rodriguez hesitated before highlighting Mark Winkler and Go Arise as significant influences. He credited Go Arise with elevating his game early in his career, expressing gratitude for the support and growth experienced through these partnerships. For the current tournament, Rodriguez teamed up with G Galler Liman, a partner he has played with in several previous events, and expressed optimism about their chances for victory.
Coaching, goals, and future ambitions in padel
Interestingly, Rodriguez stated he does not have a specific favorite coach, but his goals for the upcoming year are clear. He aims to improve his skills both as a player and a coach, and to achieve strong results in future tournaments. This dual focus on personal development and competitive success reflects a holistic approach to his padel journey.
Key takeaways from the interview with Pablo Rodriguez
- Organizational role: Rodriguez is deeply involved in both playing and organizing padel events, contributing to the sport’s growth in Miami.
- Playing style: He favors finesse, technical shots, and the left side of the court, with a particular strength in “by three” shots.
- Equipment: The Adidas Metalbone HRD is his racket of choice, aligning him with top professionals like Alejandro Galán.
- Partnerships: He values strong partnerships and credits key partners for his development.
- Ambitions: Rodriguez is focused on improving both as a player and coach, with clear goals for the upcoming season.
The Smash Flash Interviews format provided a fast-paced, insightful look into Rodriguez’s approach to padel, his equipment choices, and his aspirations—offering valuable perspectives for fans and aspiring players alike.
