Padel is the ever-growing professional sport taking influences from Tennis and Squash. Played typically in doubles, Padel incorporates two glass walls behind each opposing team into play, making it different from Tennis with similar rules and scoring. But before you pick up your Padel racket and head out onto the court, check out the 5 rules you’ll need to know before you play.
You might have only recently heard about the increasingly popular game of Padel, but this game has already been seasoned by some well-known pros. Get to know them below, and check out their ranking from the World Padel Tour.
Fernando Belasteguín
Ranking: 3
Born in Pehuajo, Argentina in 1979, Fernando Belastguin became the youngest number 1 player in the world at the ages of 22. Holding the record for being ranked number 1 for 16 consecutive years, he is the most renowned and successful Padel player to date.
Bela debuted on the Padel circuit in 1995 at 15 years old and plays as a left-sided player. He later became the number 1 in Argentina, Spain, and later, the rest of the world. Out of 250 finals games, Bela has won over 200.
Paquito Navarro
Ranking: 5
Beginning his Padel journey at the age of 5 in Seville, Spain, going on to kick start his career in national and international junior tournaments, he participated in his first World Cup in Mexico when he was 10 years old. Paquito has gone on to take part. After entering the Padel Pro Tour in 2009, he was named under-23s champion.
Pablo Lima
Ranking: 6
Brazilian born Pablo Lima, now residing in Bilbao, Spain, is currently considered Brazil’s best pro Padel player. Alongside his partner Fernando Belasteguín, they’ve sat at the top of the league in 2015 and 2016.
Majo Sánchez Alayeto
Ranking: 11
A Spanish born, ex professional tennis player turned professional Padel player in 2013. Throughout her professional career, she has won 244 out of the 302 games she has played, ranking number 1 worldwide in 2019 playing alongside her twin sister.
Gemma Triay Pons
Ranking: 1
Sitting comfortably at the top of the ranking in the World Padel Tour, Spanish born Gemma has been a professional Padel player since 2013 alongside her partner Lucia Sainz, being world and European champion. She was awarded the title of best player on the 2017 WTP Padel circuit.
Lucía Sainz
Ranking: 2
Former professional Tennis player partner of Gemma Triay Pons, Lucia’s Padel career started after leaving the American University of Fresno to begin Padel practice at Real Club de Polo de Barcelona. She closely follows her partner Gemma at the number 2 spot in the WPT rankings.
Now you’re ready to support your favourite, check out the upcoming Padel tournaments held around the world.
