Martín Landaluce: “It’s a privilege to be able to learn alongside Rafa”

On 11 September 2022, at just 16 years of age, Martín Landaluce became the third Spaniard in history to win the Junior US Open. On court 11 of Flushing Meadows, the Madrid native added a title to his resumé that was claimed by fellow Rafa Nadal Academy pupil Dani Rincón one year earlier.

 

Since then, Martín has enjoyed a dream year, in which he became the junior world number 1 and played in events of the magnitude of the Mutua Madrid Open, Conde de Godó and the ATP 250 in Umag. Before returning to the courts of the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar, Martín took a look back at his recent success.

 

It was around this time last year that you won the Junior US Open, how did it feel to win a tournament of that magnitude at 16?

It was an incredible experience, I enjoyed it so much, my family was in NY and winning that tournament with them there was very special. We were also ending the junior phase at 16 years of age, and we did so in the best way possible.

 

This year you’ll be playing the Challenger event at your second home. What does it mean to be able to compete in the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar?

It’s a great opportunity to play good tennis, and I enjoy playing in such a warm atmosphere, where I feel so comfortable.

 

What are your goals for this tournament?

The only goal is to enjoy myself on court, while applying everything I’ve learnt in recent months.

 

Players of the stature of Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune have played in this tournament, how valuable is the Challenger Tour to you as a springboard into the ATP Tour?

It’s a period of transition that’s important for all tennis players. I’m really enjoying this time and working hard to make that leap.

 

During 2023, you’ve had the chance to play in big tournaments like Conde de Godó and the Mutua Madrid Open and you are getting some great experiences on tour. How is your year going and how valuable are those moments?

It’s really been a year full of experiences, I’m taking a lot away from each week. I think the sooner you go through these situations and scenarios, the better it is for the future.

 

Forming part of the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar has allowed you to learn close up and even share a lot of training sessions with Rafa Nadal. What does that experience mean for you in your training and your growth? In which aspects do you think you’ve grown the most over this year?

It’s a privilege to be able to learn alongside Rafa at his academy. I try to have time with him to ask him questions and find out more about him, experiences, anecdotes, anything he can tell me. I’ve grown a lot mentally, I’ve gone through nerves, pressure, expectations, big stages... which have all made me much stronger than I was.

 

For those that haven’t seen Martín on court, how would you define yourself as a tennis player?

I’d say I’m an aggressive player who tries to dictate the tempo of the match. Resilience and grit above all.

 

Get to know Martín Landaluce a little better

 

Favourite food?

Huevos rotos and cachopo

 

Favourite animal?

Dogs

 

Favourite colour?

Blue

 

Favourite film or series?

Hangover

 

A country you’d like to visit?

New Zealand

 

Favourite tennis player?

Rafa Nadal

 

Favourite shot?

Backhand down the line

 

Which tournament would you most like to win?

Wimbledon or the Davis Cup