'Going far in this will be life changing' – Adam van Harte

SunBet Arena will host the inaugural Premier Padel Pretoria P1 event which will showcase the very best of international padel while providing the country’s leading players with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete against the world's elite on home soil, from 29 July to 2 August. 

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, van Harte says a good performance stands between him and a life changing opportunity.

“Ja, I mean going far in this is life changing. A tournament like this with all the eyes on you, everyone is going to be watching you. So if you have a good result or performance it really could change your life. So that’s what we are hoping for,” said van Harte

READ: Premier Padel Pretoria set to make history on South African soil

Van Harte also says he was introduced to the sport four years ago by a friend before making the switch from tennis, which he says gave him the base for Padel.

“I started playing about four years ago. I was still living in Cape Town at the time. One of my good friends introduced me to the sport and I started playing and like everyone it hooks you and you play more. 

“Before that I used to play Tennis. It used to be my life as a junior. I played nationally at a very high level, so I am thankful for that because it gave me a good base to excel in this sport.”

The player who turns 26 in August is paired up with fellow South African Warren Kuhn.

"Myself and Warren, we've been a pair for a year and a half now, almost two years. For me, I really like the idea of a long-term project, you know, building a relationship with someone. I don't like to change too much. I like routine.

“So it's been a dream to play with him. He is an amazing guy and player, and we are going to try and show our talent to the world."

The pair have been given a wild card into the main draw and will be looking to accumulate their very first points on the professional circuit.