By Edwin Rollon
MULTI-titled veteran Marian Capadocia might consider leaving tennis for good.
With her recent success in Padel, the fast-rising racket sport not just in the county but in the world, the 24-year-old Philippine tennis star publicly hints at a full transition from tennis to padel.
“There’s a saying that I learned “It takes a village to build a champion”. Ito yun, yung Padel community, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sir Derrick Santos, Sir Duane Santos, and all the coaches and teammates ko, sila ang sandalan ko.” an emotional Capadocia said during the victory presentation by Padel Pilipinas headed by founder Senator Pia Cayetano on Thursday at Play Padel Center in Mandaluyong City.
Capadocia and partner Tao Yee Tan made history as they emerged as the first Pinoy doubles champions in the Female Pro Category of the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) Grand Slam last October 3-6 in Singapore.
They beat the Japanese-Indonesia pairing of Kotomi Ozawa and Beatrice Gumulya in a heart-pounding 6-2, 1-6, 7-5 win in the championship match.
“It’s a very intense match-up. We won the first set but lost the momentum in the second set. Sa final set, diniskartehan na namin at yung game strategy ng coaching staff effective kaya tinuloy-tuloy namin,” said Capadocia.
“Very thankful ako kay Sen. Pia dahil siya talaga ang partner ni Tao Yee, pero hinayaan niya kami dahil para sa kanya may blend din yung tandem namin,’ she added.
Capadocia, was a veteran internationalist and holder of record eight women’s singles titles at the prestigious Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) – considered as the Wimbledon of the Philippines. She was the country’s women’s No.1 tennis player for five years before the pandemic struck in 2000.
However, her relationships with the officials of the Philippine Tennis Association (PTA), turned bad to sour over the past years, leaving her career in a quandary.
“Dito ko na-feel na merong village na sumusuporta sa akin ng buong-buo. I’m very thankful sa Play Padel and Padel Pilipinas,” a teary-eyed Capadocia said.
Cayetano was ecstatic about the idea of Capadocia being a regular part of the team but assured her of full support whatever her decision for her career.
“She can continue her tennis career if she wants and if she is free to join us the door is always open for her,” said Cayetano
With her tennis career in limbo, Capadocia turned herself to Padel and for just six months officials of Padel Pilipinas turned her in to join the team for the APPT series.
“Six months pa lang naglalaro ng Padel si Marian, pero kita na agad yung husay niya. Since galing siya sa tennis, madali siyang makapag-adjust. Unlike sa tennis, sa padel kasi more of control sa strength,” said coach Argil Lance Cañizares.
Capadocia first joined the team in the inaugural Asia Pacific Padel Cup in Bali, Indonesia just two weeks before her historic victory in the APPT Singapore. The Philippines settled for the silver medal after losing to Indonesia, 2-3, in the final.
The Philippines demolished Malaysia, 4-0, while Indonesia clobbered India, 4-0, to arrange the championship duel. In the group stage, the Filipinos blanked India (5-0), Malaysia (5-0), Hong Kong (5-0) and Singapore (5-0).
Senator Cayetano led the team which also included Capadocia, Tao Yee Tan, Princess Jean Naquila, Yam Garsin, Marian Capadocia, siblings Duane and Derrick Santos, Argil Lance Cañizares, Raymark Gulfo, Abdulqoahar Allian, Bryan Saarenas, Mhar Joseph Serra, and coaches Bryan Casao, Jaric Lavelle.
In Singapore, Capadocia and Tan easily disposed rivals Victoria Fedorova (RU) and Anastasiia Ryzhova (RU), 6-2, 6-2, before toppling Natalia Oxley (BR) and Constanza Kokorelis (PT), 6-2, 6-3 to clinch the finals seat.
"I am so thankful for all the love, support, and encouragement the Padel Pilipinas team and Play Padel Community have shown me and Coach Tao Yee during our finals match in APPT Singapore. A huge thank you to Senator Pia whose presence, both on and off the court, gave us strength. She cheered with so much passion and belief in us, which helped push us to compete at our best. Facing the top seed was tough, but having such an incredible group of friends, family, and padel fans behind us made it an experience we will never forget,” said Capadocia.
Tan added, "To the entire Padel Pilipinas community, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Whether you were watching live, sending messages, or cheering us on from afar, your energy kept us going throughout the tournament. It reminds us how special and close our Padel family is, and we're so proud to represent you all."
Padel Pilipinas Secretary General Atty. Duane Santos emphasized the remarkable nature of this achievement: "They’ve both only been playing padel for a combined three years more or less. Tao Yee with two years and Marian with less than one year. That's the reason why it's even more amazing."
Padel Pilipinas Head Coach Bryan Casao lauded Tan and Capadocia’s win. “Their training has paid off in the best way possible. They went in mentally, emotionally, and physically ready. It’s not only a win for Padel Pilipinas but for the whole country,”
Padel Pilipinas is the official Philippine Padel federation recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
“So happy for our girls, Tao Yee and Marian. I couldn’t be prouder of what they achieved – the first All-Filipina Champs in the APPT!” the Senator exclaimed. She also explained the relevance of the win, saying “This win inspires not only our country’s padel community but also the new generation of young girls watching this”
This victory at the APPT Grand Slam – Singapore, as well as the silver finish of the national team at the Asia Pacific Padel Cup in Bali, Indonesia, not only highlights the rapid growth of the sport locally but also sets the stage for future successes on the international circuit. It brings the spotlight to Padel Pilipinas' commitment to growing local talent through its grassroots development, talent identification, and player advancement programs, promoting the sport, and achieving excellence in international competitions.
