Coki Nieto, a well-known paddle player from Madrid, has been making a name for himself in the sports world. His skills on the court, combined with his personality, have gained him a large following among paddle enthusiasts. The year 2024 ended on a high note for him, as he finally secured a spot among the top eight couples, a goal he had been working towards for several years. Although he was unable to win his second World Cup, he had a successful stint with Jon Sanz, culminating in a win at the Tour Finals in Barcelona, where they defeated Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia. This year, Coki will be playing alongside Mike Yanguas, and they are set to start as the fourth-ranked couple.
Recently, Coki participated in the Alpine Hexagon Cup in Madrid, representing Team Bella Puerto Rico. During this time, he spoke with the media to discuss his career and upcoming plans. When asked about his current state, Coki expressed that he is in a good place, both in terms of his performance and his partnership with Mike Yanguas. He believes that his regular training and humble attitude have contributed to his success.
Looking back on his win at the Tour Finals, Coki still seems to be in disbelief. He considers this tournament to be one of the most important ones he has won, and he is thrilled to have achieved this milestone. As for his decision to part ways with Jon Sanz, Coki thinks that it was the right time to move on, and he is excited to start this new chapter with Mike Yanguas.
Coki chose to partner with Mike because he believes that Mike is one of the most talented right-handed players in the sport. Having played together in the past, Coki thinks that they have both matured and improved, making them a strong team. When asked if he had received any other offers, Coki admitted that he had, but none of them compared to the opportunity to play with Mike.
Throughout his career, Coki has faced challenges, particularly when it comes to closing out games. However, he believes that he has made significant progress in this area, and his mental game has improved. With Mike by his side, he hopes to continue growing and achieving great results.
As the new season begins, Coki is aware that there will be tough competition, but he is eager to take on the challenge. He and Mike are currently ranked as the fourth couple, and they hope to maintain a high level of performance throughout the year. Coki’s goal is to stay healthy, avoid injuries, and enjoy the game, rather than focusing solely on rankings or wins.
In addition to his partnership with Mike, Coki has also had the opportunity to play with Arturo Coello, the number one player. He describes this experience as a joy, as he can focus on his own game and rely on Coello’s expertise. Playing with Coello has also given him a unique perspective on the game, and he appreciates the chance to learn from him.
Although Coki and Coello did not qualify for the final in the Alpine Hexagon Cup, they had the chance to face some innovative couples, which was a valuable experience. Coki had hoped to play against Tapia and Jon, as he wanted to redeem himself after a loss in 2024. Despite not achieving this, he remains positive and focused on his future goals.