Dorian Navarro: “The circuit Padel Armchair deserves real support »

On the sidelines of the P2000 in Cabriès, we met Dorian Navarro, France's number one wheelchair padel player. He tells us about his season, how the circuit works, his international ambitions, and the upcoming organization of a wheelchair padel tour in the South of France.

“I am the number 1 French wheelchair padel player.”

Teo: Hi Dorian, can you introduce yourself for those who don't know you?
Dorian: Hello, my name is Dorian Navarro, I'm the number 1 wheelchair padel player in France. I'm 27 years old, and since 2022, I've dedicated myself 100% to padel after a brief tennis career.

Dorian Navarro: “The circuit Padel Armchair deserves real support »

A season structured around the P250 and P100

Téo: How is the wheelchair padel season structured?
Dorian: Our season is similar to that of able-bodied players. We have four P250s per year, the equivalent of the P2000s, and numerous P100s, which are the most frequent tournaments in our discipline. In addition, there are the French Pairs Championships, which also count as a P250.

A start to the season in full progress

Téo: What were your results at the start of the season?
Dorian: I've made good progress: 3rd place in the first P250, runner-up in the second, and winner of the third. The next P250 will take place near Nice, where I train, and I'm looking forward to it.

Riviera Wheelchair Padel Tour: a unique tour in the South

Téo: Can you tell us about this tour you are organizing in the South?
Dorian: It will take place from June 2nd to 6th and will include three tournaments. This tour format allows for reduced travel costs: a single trip is required to participate in three competitions.
This tour, called Riviera Wheelchair Padel Tour, will offer two P100s and one P250:

P100 on June 2 in Nice
P100 on June 3 in Antibes
P250 on June 5 and 6 at UrbanSoccer Villeneuve-Loubet

We'll have a day off between the two formats to facilitate the transition. It's a great way to energize the circuit.

An international circuit on hold

Téo: Is there an international wheelchair padel circuit?
Dorian: Yes, but unfortunately it is almost non-existent. The FIP (International Federation of Padel) certainly has control over our discipline, but it does nothing concrete. It is the players themselves who are trying to make things happen.
We don't ask for a circuit like Premier Padel, but a few international tournaments would be a minimum. It is urgent that the FFT helps us to carry this request.

"No dialogue with the FIP"

Téo: You often contact the FIP on your social media. Is there any dialogue going on today?
Dorian: No, almost no contact. Some people are trying to help us, but it's very complicated. I've written to the president several times, without a response.
We organize our tournaments ourselves, so our logistical needs are reduced, but we need a minimum of financial support, which is still not a reality.

An inclusive discourse… but few actions

Téo: It's all the more unfortunate because valid padel is evolving enormously...
Dorian: Exactly. The inclusive aspect of padel is often emphasized, but in reality, these are just words without action. We clearly feel left out.

Inspiration and learning at P2000

Téo: What are you looking for in a tournament like this P2000?
Dorian: I use it to draw inspiration from the organization, to see what works and what doesn't, in order to in turn offer an optimal experience to wheelchair padel players, particularly on our P250s.

Téo: Thank you Dorian for this interview!
Dorian: Thanks to you !