Alejandra Salazar (38) arrives for her interview with AS Chile even though minutes before she experienced a difficult moment: after barely playing four games in 24 minutes in his debut in the Santiago Premier Pádel P1, had to retire due to the injury of Tamara Icardo, his partner. Despite the bitterness of being abandoned, ‘Ale’ does not lose his smile. It is the essence of the best player in history, who has won more than 50 titles and has been world champion six times with Spain.
Although she was late to leave for the Santiago Airport, from where she would fly to Madrid, her home, Salazar wanted to talk to AS because he needed to send a message to his followers in the country. “Above all, I wanted to thank all the Chilean public who have been cheering us on and wanting us to come all these months. It makes me sad not to enjoy it more days, as was the case last year when we competed until the last and had a great atmosphere. I hope to return next year to receive all this love,” she says.
– Are you aware of what it generates so far from home?
– Ufff, it’s hard, hard to assimilate and look, years have passed. I continue to surprise and amaze myself with everyone who follows us, that he gets nervous having you by his side. I try to give as much love as I can, in the form of photos, signatures, whatever they need, and spend a little time with the people who are looking forward to seeing us. Hopefully next year I can dedicate more time to them.
– Talking with his fans, several said that his presence impacts them. How do you feel about people saying that about you?
– I don’t know (smiles), the word impact sometimes I don’t know if it’s good or bad (laughs). I take it as a good thing and perhaps, surprised. It’s incredible where this sport is reaching, how many people follow us every day, they know everything about us. I send a huge kiss to everyone in all of Chile.
– What is the best thing about being a public figure?
– The best thing in the end is that love that you get from so many people and that recognition, which, well, is truly wonderful. It fills you day by day with energy to continue.
– And the bad thing?
– Maybe the bad thing is missing out on a lot of things with your family and friends because you are traveling and playing at a professional level. A birthday, many important events that will not come again, but I always say that I have chosen the perfect one and that if I were born again, I would dedicate myself to the same thing.
– For many specialists and followers, you are the best player in the history of women’s padel. How do you imagine your life when you leave him?
– It is true that I am in my last years and I am already thinking about many things to do in the future. I would like to remain linked, we are with an athlete representation agency, for tomorrow to continue here, continue contributing to young talents and help them in their maturation and promotion to professional player. I will always be linked to this wonderful sport that is my passion and my life.
– And coach?
– Well, a coach, maybe not in the medium term, because if I want to be a mom, I also won’t have the time that traveling and all the process requires, but more in the long term, maybe in a few years, it could be.
– One of her biggest dreams is to be a mother. How does she view that moment? Does she live with anxiety?
– No, no, very calmly. I have the desire, (but) I still know that I have a good level for a few years, that I feel good, competitive, with enthusiasm, which is the most important thing, because in the end there are a lot of trips, you are away from home and having that desire and enthusiasm is important to be able to continue. And in a few years, it will be another stage that I also look forward to very much and without anxiety. When it comes, it will be, and I will have felt fulfilled with my work on the track, so we will see when it is.
