At just 18 years old and already among the top 50 in the world, Miguel Peres is establishing himself as one of the great promises of Brazilian beach tennis. Known as “The Alchemist of Beach Tennis,” a nickname that reflects his creativity and transformative mindset on and off the court, the young athlete combines technique, discipline, and authenticity in a trajectory marked by overcoming challenges and consistency. Under the training of his father—a former athlete and his main inspiration—Miguel recently won two ITF BT100 titles and reinforces his mission to elevate the sport to a new level of professionalism. Between goals in the world ranking and the dream of creating his own brand, he promises to continue enchanting the public with his unique blend of lightness and intensity.
Miguel, where did the nickname “The Alchemist of Beach Tennis” come from? Is it just a creative title or does it reflect a philosophy that you bring onto the court?
This nickname was born right here, in a conversation where I mentioned that several players had nicknames — and I wanted to have mine.
The idea for “The Alchemist” came about because I’ve always played with a lot of creativity, improvisation, and trust in my instincts. Since I was little, in any sport I’ve played, this creativity has always appeared naturally.
But the name ended up gaining a deeper meaning: the alchemy of transforming everything — victory, mistake, pain, or pressure — into evolution. Today, the nickname perfectly represents what I experience on and off the court.
You started at age 13 and today you’re among the top 50 in the world. What motivates you most when you look back and see how much you’ve improved in such a short time?
I started playing beach tennis when I was 13, and looking back today is surreal. Seeing everything that has happened in that time and knowing that I’m among the best in the world makes me even more determined to continue.
But none of this would have happened without my father’s example. He had the opportunity to become a professional athlete in soccer and tennis, and he has always been my greatest inspiration.
Today, besides being my father, he’s also my coach — and having that partnership is something very special. I learn from him every day, both on and off the court.
I grew up quickly in the sport, without much structure, based on willpower and faith. That motivates me: seeing how far I’ve come with my effort and the support of those who have always believed in me.
You recently won two ITF BT100 tournaments—impressive results! What do these titles mean to you, and how do they impact your confidence for upcoming challenges?
These recent achievements had a special taste. They were victories that showed the work is being done well and that my game is maturing. Each title reinforces that this is the right path — focus, consistency, and evolution. Confidence grows with each tournament.
In sports, each athlete has their own “formula” for success. What is your alchemy on and off the court—what blend of discipline, mindset, and passion do you use to achieve results?
My alchemy is a blend of talent, discipline, and mindset. On the court, I play with lightness and creativity—I like to improvise, create unexpected plays, transform the game. Off the court, I’m very relaxed, a real homebody. I like being at home and playing video games. I even won the FIFA World Championship with the Brazilian National Team in Pro Clubs mode, playing as a goalkeeper. I think this balance between intensity and simplicity is what keeps my head on straight.
Beach tennis has grown significantly in recent years. How do you see the role of athletes from the new generation—like yourself—in popularizing and professionalizing the sport?
The new generation has the mission of showing beach tennis as a major, professional sport. It’s not just beach recreation—it’s about technique, strategy, and a lot of dedication. I want to help the sport grow and earn the respect it deserves.
Besides training, you use digital media very well to show behind-the-scenes content and inspire other young people. How do you balance the intense routine of an athlete with content creation and building your personal brand?
From the beginning, I grew up on Instagram on my own. I learned everything through practice — editing, storytelling, understanding what connects with people. Today I have over 63,000 followers, and this is just the beginning. I think the modern athlete also needs to be a brand. Showing behind-the-scenes moments, training, travels, and reality. This inspires and brings the audience closer.
When you step onto the court wearing the Brazilian jersey, what goes through your mind the most? Is there a ritual or thought that accompanies you before each match?
Wearing the Brazilian name is something that moves me every time. It’s an enormous pride and a responsibility that gives me strength. Before each match, I close my eyes, take a deep breath and think: “have fun.” It’s the moment when everything goes silent and I remember where I came from and why I’m there.
What are the next steps in your career? Are there specific ranking goals or off-court projects you dream of undertaking in the coming years?
I want to keep climbing in the world rankings — getting back into the top 30, aiming for the top 20, and continuing to evolve. But beyond the results, I dream of creating my own brand, with products and projects that embody my essence and philosophy: discipline, authenticity, and passion for what I do. My goal is to leave a real legacy — both on and off the court.
Follow Miguel Peres on Instagram