Gianluca Vacchi: “Coello–Tapia are perfect, like a Rembrandt in the living room”

A premise: if you want an example of overwhelming love, look no further than Gianluca Vacchi’s love for padel. “You’re right. It’s a love that redefines itself higher every day, discovering new boundaries,” he says during a break at the BNL Italy Major Premier Padel. And we’re not in doubt—just watch his enthusiasm when speaking about it, whether about a champion’s shot, his own match (he plays very well), or an entrepreneurial idea. Speaking of which, let’s begin.

Good morning Gianluca Vacchi, first we’d like to understand who we’re interviewing: the player, the entrepreneur, or the entrepreneur in the world of padel?
“With all three. You can’t put me in a single box. My drive toward padel, both as a player and entrepreneur, is very strong. In Miami I even own a club: padel is my life”.

About your Miami club—how would you define it? A sort of Marco Polo of padel, exploring new territories with the racket? Your brands often turn into chains, after all.
“Absolutely. I’d like to expand the model to other parts of the U.S. America is key because it sets trends. If padel grows there, it grows everywhere. My Miami club has four courts, a low roof, but it works: people walk there. Believe it or not, it’s currently the most profitable per court in the world, also thanks to Miami’s upscale clientele”.

So the goal is to spread the gospel in the States?
“It’s a fantastic challenge. We must introduce padel to Americans beyond Miami’s Latin community. They already have it in their culture. The challenge is to expand into places like New York, Los Angeles, even Aspen. I want to create a chain of ‘boutique clubs,’ places that reflect top players’ grace, beauty, and elegance through architecture. It’s a challenge—but also a way to grow the sport”.

For instance: Belasteguín’s bandeja becomes an architectural drawing, reflecting its elegance in design. Is that it?
“Exactly”.

How quickly can this happen? And what are the challenges?
“Padel is the most social sport I’ve seen. It goes viral, with low barriers to entry. It’s accessible—even for someone familiar with beach rackets. But it’s like chess: you can learn the basics fast, but to excel you need deep study and dedication. Pickleball in the U.S.? It’s strong, but not scary. The lack of a Sinner or Alcaraz leaves room for other racket sports. The issue is cost. In Miami we pay $50k/month rent. With those costs, you need elite clientele, which slows mass growth. But if David Beckham or Gianluca Vacchi play, fans follow”.

You had a club in Italy too, with three courts—at home?
“Yes, private (laughs). I also had a grass tennis court. Top players trained there before the grass season. Now I’m building a new grass court. On those three padel courts, I hosted the greatest players. Who am I missing? I’m waiting for Chingotto—he’s been to my Miami club—and Ale Galan, my friend. They’ll come”.

Imagine you get a wild card in a Premier event: pick your ideal partner and your mixed doubles partner.
“I’d start with a black armband and a mourning racket. Fernando (Belasteguín) is dearly missed. I’d pick Mike Yanguas—we’re friends. To win my heart, someone must go through the journey Bela and I did. I’m like a fairy-tale princess whose heart is hard to win. I’m also close with Coki Nieto, Agu, and Arturo. For a female partner, I’d be torn between Bea Gonzalez and Ari Sanchez”.

If you could steal three moves from three players…
“Tapia’s smash, for sure. But not just shots—game situations too. Coki Nieto’s transitions: baseline and net in one go—that’s crazy! Yanguas’ finesse, Galan’s elegance. If I had to show padel to a newcomer, I’d show a Galan video. And Arturo Coello—for his return and net rush”.

Are Tapia and Coello the perfect duo?
“Absolutely. They’re perfect like a Rembrandt on a living room wall. Tapia with more kick, Coello with more power. But most importantly, they’re calm together. They have simplicity, humility, incredible chemistry. Arturo used to miss returns when younger; now he’s nearly flawless. Fun fact: I paired Arturo with Bela. Partner harmony is everything. One bad personality and it collapses. Tapia and Coello have mutual serenity; on court they act as one, winning and enjoying themselves. Priceless”.

How’s Paquito’s guitar celebration?
“I love him. I told him yesterday to stick with Bergamini: that kid has a pure heart. He’s adored by people—and by me”.

And Chingotto?
“He deserves special recognition. Not flashy physically, but competitive with anyone. He’s sacrificed a lot, and now he’s reaping the rewards”.

You’re Belasteguín’s biggest fan—did you throw a fit when he retired?
“No. Age and wear told their story. He couldn’t compete as before. He’s smart—chose the right moment to retire as a king, in the Premier Padel tournament in Milan. Champions should retire as champions. People forget fast; legends should leave a legend’s legacy. Fernando did just that. And one more thing…”.

Go ahead.
“Think tennis—Federer, Nadal, Djokovic: three different masters, unlikely to compare. Fernando was those three in one as a padel player”.