UAE padel stars cherish playing with top international players

DUBAI: UAE padel stars Fares Aljanahi and Abdullah Ahli were all smiles as they walked back to the dressing room after completing the first day of the World Padel League at the Coco Cola Arena. It was an overwhelming experience that they will cherish for some time now. The duo will have to compete in the inaugural competition alongside some of the best padel players in the world. “It was a great experience,” said Fares, who plays for the Panthers. “Initially, I was nervous, but the team were very welcoming and friendly. It made me very comfortable,” he added.

Abdullah, who represents the Cheetahs, expressed similar sentiments. “It’s been a great start for us. We’ve learned a lot from them. It’s a new experience for us.”

Four Emirati players – Abdullah Abdulaziz Abdullah and Salem Alhouli are the other two – have the chance to play in the league, where they can compete in special doubles matches with professional players from their respective teams.

The experience was undoubtedly fruitful. It gives UAE players the opportunity to analyze and compare their game to that of the top pros. “I think the difference between them is the way they mentally prepare before games. They seem calmer, more relaxed, don’t think too much because they’re used to these big stages. I think these types of events, look Watching them gives us the confidence to be stronger mentally. But in terms of preparation and fitness, I think we are very similar,” said Faris, the eighth-ranked UAE.

“We usually play as a team, only we are from the national team. But this is the first game we have played with professionals. It has allowed us to see how they interact before the game, how they keep calm … But the funny thing is, I’m happy that even though they are the stars, they still take our advice and listen to us. It’s really important for us,” added Abdullah, who ranks at the Emirates Fourth and won the Nad Al Sheba International Padel Championship, Arab Champions Cup and GCC Padel Cup.

The players believe that more of these matches will allow them to mingle with the world’s top players and allow them to compete at the highest level.

“After this experience, we realized that if we wanted to compete at the highest level, we had to be in that environment with these players. It would allow us to reach their level and compete with them,” Fares said , adding that Dubai has all the resources to push padel to greater heights.

“I think to be a professional you need consistency and discipline. We have all the resources in Dubai, we have a good team, coaches and a good support system. The environment is not as strong as Spain and Argentina though. But we Progressing well.”

Both Emirati players thanked the World Padel League, Dubai Sports Council and Coca-Cola Arena for giving them the opportunity to compete.