Coki Nieto: a winning comeback

After a season half fig, half grape alongside Mike Yanguas , without a title or final in 2025, Coki Nieto has embarked on a new stage of his career. Recovered from a elbow injury who had missed the start of the season, the Madrid native made his return to the circuit at P2 of Gijón where he reforms his duo with Jon sanz A successful return for the Spaniard, already qualified for the quarter-finals .

A resumption after several weeks of inactivity

Coki Nieto returned to competition in Gijón after several weeks away from the slopes The Spaniard had to give up the Hexagon Cup then the Riyadh P1 due to an elbow ligament injury that appeared at the end of last season.

In an interview with BrandThe Madrid player reflected on this difficult period:

"I started experiencing pain in October. After the Finals, tests showed that I had a damaged ligament in my elbow. I preferred to stop."

A decision made to avoid jeopardizing the rest of the season.

"I thought I could make it to Riyadh, but it wasn't possible. I preferred to rest and arrive in Gijón in better shape rather than push myself."

Today, the medical green light has been given, even though the player remains realistic about his physical condition:

"I won't be at 100%, but at a fairly high percentage... and improving."

A duo that's reuniting with Jon Sanz

For this return, Nieto reforms his association with Jon Sanz , a pair that had made a lasting impression by winning the Premier Padel Finals 2024 .

A pairing that works almost instinctively, according to the Madrid native:

“Playing with Jon means playing intelligently. We know each other very well and we complement each other. If we play well, we can compete with anyone.”

Henceforth seed n ° 5 The two Spaniards know that the draws will be demanding. The objective remains clear:

"To secure the quarter-finals that correspond to our ranking, then give it our all."
Coki Nieto returns to Gijón: “Jon and I can compete with anyone”

A solid return to Gijón

On the track, the recovery quickly took a positive turn. Nieto and Sanz first had to fight for their entry into the competition against Álex Ruiz and Juanlu Esbrí , with a victory in three sets: 3/6, 6/4, 6/3 .

The scenario repeated itself in the round of 16. Facing the Argentinians Álex Chozas and Tino Libaak The two Spaniards had to work hard during more than two hours to win 7/5, 3/6, 6/3 .

A hard-fought victory that allows them to join the quarter-finals for their first tournament of the season .

Their next step, however, will be much higher: a duel against the Third seed Juan Lebron and Leo Augsburger , killers of Arroyo / Aguirre in two sets ( 6 / 2, 6 / 1 ).

A close look at the new forces in the circuit

Even when away from the field for several weeks, Coki Nieto closely followed the development of the new pairs on the circuit.

He sees in particular Stupaczuk / Yanguas as a particularly solid duo, while Paquito Navarro / Guerrero could quickly establish themselves among the dangerous teams in the standings.

Speaking on Garrido / Bergamini The Spanish language is just as clear:

"Javi has enormous potential. His power is making the difference today."

A new chapter with Kuikma

This return to the circuit also marks a A significant change in Nieto's career After several years at Babolat, global 7 number joined Kuikma , the padel brand from Decathlon.

The Spaniard will now play with the KUIKMA Hybrid Pro a racket bearing his signature, designed to offer a balance between control and power .

This partnership of three years illustrates the ambition of the French brand to establish itself permanently at the highest level of world padel, while remaining true to its philosophy: making performance accessible.

It's official, Coki Nieto is becoming the new face of the Kuikma project

Objective: to return to the top

For this new season, Coki Nieto is not hiding his ambitions.

"I'd like to win a title. Last year, we came close."

Before even thinking about another title at the major events on the circuit, the Spaniard primarily wants to regaining rhythm and sensations .

And judging by this convincing return to Gijón , season 2026 of Coki Nieto could very well start off on a very good footing.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!