Alejandra Salazar: “2026 will be my last season as a professional player”

After more than twenty years at highest level of world padel, Alejandra Salazar has decided to bow out. The Madrid player, multiple world number one, announced exclusively to Brand what will play its final season in 2026. A gradual farewell that she wishes to approach with ambition, in particular by accompanying a young promise, Martina Calvo.

A breath of fresh air with Martina Calvo

Ale Salazar recently teamed up with Martina Calvo, young 17-year-old player. A choice she fully accepts:

"I was looking for freshness, innocence. Martina was spectacular; she proved she had what it takes to play at the highest level."

She confides that This duo reminds him of his time with Ari Sánchez , when experience and youth blended harmoniously. The goal? To take the time to create automatisms , and why not dream of qualifying for the Master Final.

The body says stop, the desire remains

Elbow surgery two years ago and marked by knee pain, Salazar says he went through a difficult time:

"Going from being a contender for world number one to someone who has to deal with pain all the time is mentally very tough."

Today she feels better physically but admits that the level of play is more irregular. However, the flame is still there : “I want to continue fighting and pass it on to my teammate.”

A planned farewell, a future already mapped out

It's now official: 2026 will be his last year on the circuit. "I hesitated for a long time. My body is getting tired, the desire to do other things is growing... But yes, I'm going to play in 2026." Among his projects, become a mother and devote himself fully to his representation agency, GOAT Sports Management, to help other athletes manage their careers.

Passing on a legacy in a women's padel in full transition

Salazar wants to be a bridge between generations. She hopes that the new stars will not forget the path taken by pioneers like Carolina Navarro, whom she considers a mentor.

"I want young people to know where our sport comes from. Not to be satisfied with what we have, but to make it evolve further."

The Madrid player observes with admiration the rise of women's padel. She notes the rivalry at the top between three large pairs "The fight for the number one spot is more open than ever. This makes the circuit more attractive."

On the other hand, she hopes more uniformity in the organization of tournaments Premier Padel . "We still lack benchmarks from one event to another. The player must feel valued everywhere." A fight that she will continue to lead to grow this sport that she has so much helped to raise.

Teo Vieau

He discovered padel in 2016 in Nantes and quickly became attached to the game, even climbing to 474th place in France. Commentator on Padel Mag TV, he covers the various tournaments on the French circuit as well as international tournaments organized in France!