
In the dynamic world of padel, few names have risen as swiftly and prominently as Guillermo Cagigas. Currently ranked number five in the U.S. rankings, Guillermo’s relentless drive and passion for the sport have made him a formidable presence both on and off the court. In an exclusive interview with The Padel Weekly, Guillermo opens up about his journey from Spain to the U.S., his seamless transition from tennis to padel, and his vision for the future of padel in the United States.
From Spain to the U.S.: The Journey Begins
Guillermo Jimenez Cagigas, or “Guille”, hails from Spain, where his love for racket sports began at an early age. He picked up his first tennis racket in 2005 when he was just five years old. This initial foray into tennis paved the way for a scholarship to play college tennis in the U.S., which brought him to the States in 2018. “Tennis was my main sport and what brought me here to the States with a college scholarship,” Guillermo recalls.
While his initial goal was to become a professional tennis player, aiming for prestigious tournaments like Wimbledon, reality soon shifted his focus. “I soon realized how tough it was, and my focus shifted more towards academics and padel, which started booming,” he explains. Watching his tennis coaches play padel sparked an interest, but it wasn’t until his breaks from college that he began to practice and compete in padel tournaments in Spain.
Transitioning from Tennis to Padel

Guillermo’s transition from tennis to padel wasn’t just a change of sport but a shift in mindset. “The tennis mindset is very different from the padel mindset in terms of strategy and how you see the game,” he says. While tennis provided a solid technical foundation, succeeding in padel required adopting a new approach. “If you want to improve your level, you need to forget about how you think on a tennis court and adopt a padel mindset.”
This shift paid off. After completing his college education, Guillermo Cagigas decided to focus on padel full-time and identified Miami as the ideal place to pursue his ambitions. “Moving to Miami a year and a half ago helped a lot because I could play, train, and coach other players almost daily,” he shares. His dedication and daily practice sessions in Miami have been crucial in his rapid rise to becoming one of the top players in the U.S.
Training and Development

Guillermo’s training routine is rigorous and well-rounded. He emphasizes agility, quick hands, reflexes, and explosiveness through his gym workouts. “I go to the gym two or three times a week, depending on tournaments. I work a lot on recovery with saunas, cold baths, and stretching,” he explains. On the padel court, he focuses on drills, cross-court points, and practice matches, often utilizing a ball machine for specific training.
Balancing training with coaching is a challenge Guillermo embraces. He is about to join a new club in North Miami, which will add to his responsibilities, but he remains committed to his tournaments and competitions. “It’s great that I’m also helping develop newer players,” he says, underscoring the importance of community growth in the sport.
Vision for Padel in the U.S.
As part of the junior development committee of the USPA, Guillermo is keen on developing junior players in the U.S. “The U.S. needs more junior players. We’re pushing to see more juniors in clubs and bigger tournaments,” he says. His commitment to junior development is evident in his involvement with Platinum Padel in North Miami, where he plans to focus on juniors once the club opens.
Guillermo’s vision for padel extends beyond the court. He emphasizes the need for a robust infrastructure to support the growth of the sport. “We need to work with high schools and clubs to encourage juniors to compete,” he asserts. This holistic approach aims to foster a thriving padel community in the U.S.
Influences and Inspirations

Reflecting on his journey, Guillermo acknowledges the significant influences that have shaped his career. From his early days in Spain to his current mentors in the U.S., he has drawn inspiration from various sources. “Fernando Alarcon, former number one in the U.S. and a pioneer in the sport, has been a significant influence,” he says. Playing with and against experienced players like Peter Alonso and Jacobo Blanco de Miguel has also been invaluable, offering daily opportunities to learn and grow.
Overcoming Challenges
Guillermo Cagigas’ path to success hasn’t been without challenges. Balancing college and padel was one of the initial hurdles. “It was tough to play padel only during breaks in Spain and then return to college,” he recalls. Moving to Miami marked a turning point, allowing him to train and play regularly. “I was so relieved once I moved to Miami. Now I can play padel every day with no problem,” he adds.
Goals and Aspirations



Looking ahead, Guille is focused on competing in major tournaments and contributing to the growth of padel in the U.S. He competes on the USPA Tour and Red Padel tournaments and is excited about the upcoming US Open in October, which will also count towards premier points. “I want to play some FIP tournaments and keep playing the USPA and Red Padel tournaments,” he shares. While his primary focus is on the U.S. market, he remains open to international competitions as opportunities arise.
Advice for Aspiring Padel Players
For aspiring padel players, especially juniors, Guillermo offers valuable advice. “It’s okay to start with tennis as it provides a good base for technique and coordination. But starting directly with padel is also fine,” he advises. Emphasizing the importance of dedication and regular training, he encourages young players to embrace the sport wholeheartedly.
Beyond Padel: A Balanced Lifestyle
Outside of padel, Guille enjoys a balanced lifestyle centered around sports and leisure. He loves soccer, watching the UFC, and spending time with friends. “I love traveling and exploring new places. When I have time for myself, I like to relax, watch movies, and go to the beach,” he says. This balanced approach helps him stay focused and energized for his padel career.
Closing Thoughts
Guillermo Cagigas’s journey from Spain to becoming a top-ranked padel player in the U.S. is a testament to his dedication, passion, and strategic mindset. His vision for the future of padel, both on and off the court, reflects a deep commitment to the sport and its community. As he continues to compete and mentor the next generation of players, Guillermo’s impact on the padel world is sure to grow.
Stay tuned to The Padel Weekly for more exclusive interviews and updates on the latest in the world of padel. Support Guillermo Cagigas and the U.S. padel community as they strive for greatness.