For more than a decade, Alvaro Robles has been a regular presence on the international table tennis circuit. The Spanish left-hander, who has reached a career-high No. 28 in the world, has spent nearly 10 years inside the top 100 and is now a familiar face in the Ultimate Table Tennis, having featured in six of the seven editions.
Robles’ journey, however, began with an unlikely idol: Timo Boll. As a teenager in Spain, he watched videos of the German great and began copying his game before eventually moving to Germany to train alongside some of the world’s best.
That decision, he says, shaped not only his table tennis but also his personality.
Now a father of two, Robles continues to juggle the demands of a professional career with family life while trying to earn another shot at the Olympics.
In an interaction with The Hindu, he spoke about Boll, his move to Germany, the evolution of Spanish table tennis, longevity in the sport, UTT’s impact on Indian table tennis and his desire to feature in another Olympics. Excerpts:
You have spoken about Boll being one of your idols. How did that fascination begin?
I started watching him when I was 16 or 17. He was in his prime and I watched so many of his matches. I took a lot of motivation from his game. I think my style is quite similar to his.
Was there a particular moment that got you hooked to his style?
What I remember most is that when I was 16 or 17, we started getting access to computers and I watched the first videos on YouTube. I was very impressed. I started copying him in practice and tried to take every skill from him as a left-hander. As you said, it was natural for many lefties to copy Boll.
You then moved to Germany. Did you get an opportunity to interact with him?
Not very often, but a few times. I played against him and practised with him. It was a privilege to share those moments with somebody I really admired. I could never beat him — he was so good — but I managed to have some close matches. I was very happy about that.
How much did moving to Germany transform your career?
It had a huge impact on my career and table tennis. I got to know the best players in the world and learnt more about training systems, how other players think and what mentality is required to reach the top.
How difficult was it as a teenager to take that decision?
It was a difficult choice. When you decide to move, you don’t know the consequences or what you will face. But it was a beautiful journey to discover. If I look back, I would do it again. I met people from all around the world… different countries and cultures. I am really happy to have experienced that kind of life.
Was it tough for your family to understand why you wanted to move to Germany?
In Spain, there was not much of a tradition for table tennis. My parents supported me, but I am not sure they knew exactly what kind of future I would have. I am grateful for their support and the freedom they gave me because that allowed me to develop my career, my personality and my character. I discovered so much about myself during that journey.
The Spaniard has played in six editions of UTT.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
How much has Spanish table tennis changed over the last two decades?
It has developed a lot. I think we have been very successful in improving the medium level of players. Now we have around 20 players competing at a very similar level. They are not yet at the top level, but many are between 100 and 300 in the world and can compete really well.
The next step is obviously to have more players inside the top 100. But even at the base, we have some amazing under-13, under-15 and under-17 players achieving unbelievable international results.
If a Spanish teenager came to you today saying he wanted to make a career in table tennis, what would you tell him?
First, it is very important to understand the background of each player — where they come from, which club they belong to, how old they are and what they want to achieve. Everyone is individual and different. That is the first thing I would observe before giving any advice. I would like to know the background of each player so I can help them better.
You have spent almost a decade in the world’s top 100. How demanding is that consistency?
It is very demanding. For 10 years I have been inside the top 100, and it costs a lot. In my case, the secret is consistency in the work. I thought about my practice, physical condition and performance every day. I was worried about improving every day and maybe that is why I have remained around the top 50. Now I am No. 67, but before the Olympics, I reached No. 28, which was great for my career. I keep thinking every day about how I can return to my best shape. I hope I can remain at this level for another 10 years.
Players are now extending their careers well into their late 30s and 40s. How has that become possible?
A few things have changed. There are now many opportunities to continue playing WTT events and league matches. There are great leagues where players can earn an income. To perform for many years, there is much more information about taking care of yourself — nutrition, physical preparation and psychology. Earlier, many players didn’t have access to so much information.
Because of this, we feel better with our bodies, play with fewer injuries and continue believing that we can play at 38, 40 or 42. Then it comes down to your mental approach, motivation, circumstances, family and how long you want to keep travelling. Look at Robert Gardos, who is 47 and still performing extremely well. That is impressive, but it is also because he takes great care of himself.
How would you compare the support structure in Spain with countries such as Germany or Sweden, or India?
Support is not only about money. For me, support means having a structure of coaches and people who help develop the sport — physical trainers, analysts, physiotherapists and people guiding players towards their maximum potential.
Sometimes we are confused. Support is not simply ‘I give you money and then you do what you want.’ Support is creating a structure that helps a group reach its potential. That is what is improving now.
How difficult is it to balance travelling for seven months a year with family life?
It is difficult. I have travelled abroad for six or seven months a year, and it is hard when you know your family is at home. My children are young and they miss me.
We try to manage the logistics so they can come to some tournaments. My daughter came to the World Championships in Doha last year and they came to a Contender in Macedonia. That gives me energy because being away from home for so many weeks is difficult. Bringing them with me and having them around gives me motivation to keep trying for my best results.
How has fatherhood changed the approach to your career?
Totally. Even though I thought I would manage it one way, everything changed because the feelings are different. Suddenly, you have to face things you are not prepared for and manage them with your wife and family.
I think that it has been the biggest work I have had to do in recent years — more than table tennis: learning how to handle family life with professional life.
You have been part of UTT for six seasons. How have you seen the league evolve?
Quite well. The idea was to create a league where foreign players could bring experience to Indian table tennis. Now you see how much Indian table tennis has grown. It is crazy.
If you compare 2018 with 2026, you can now see how many Indian players are in the top 100, top 50 and top 40. Youngsters play as if they have 20 years of experience.
Earlier, you didn’t see that. Now there are many of them. That has come from the investment and effort of the federation and the people who wanted to create the league. It is very impressive.
You see youngsters such as Syndrela Das, who was watching from the stands when she was 11 or 12, now playing against players like Manika Batra and even beating them. That comes from a country’s big effort to develop a sport.
What do you enjoy doing away from table tennis?
I love sport. I like playing tennis, padel and football. All my hobbies are related to sport. Going out with my wife when the kids are not with us is also something I enjoy — going on holiday after many months of hard work. That is how I switch off and recharge.
You have won a World championship doubles silver and a European mixed doubles gold. What remains the biggest target?
The European championship gold in mixed doubles is a great achievement because, at the end, it is a gold medal. It is very special to me. But the Olympics is always the biggest stage. Everything I am doing is aimed at getting that experience one more time. I know winning an Olympic medal is something really, really difficult… on another level.
But I try to find my best version and keep the opportunity open. You never know. I will keep fighting to be there and give my best version one more time.
