In an interview with The little one Padel, Javi Leal spoke with emotion about his association with Fran Guerrero, their recent results, and his personal journey on the professional circuit.

It's one of the best surprises of this season. Premier PadelSemi-finalists in Rome, and once again in the semi-finals in Valladolid, Leal and Guerrero form an explosive duo, both spectacular and solid. Their aggressive, unpredictable and complementary padel captivates the public as much as the observers of the circuit.

“When we were kids, we used to come and watch tournaments together. And we said to each other: one day, you and I will play here.” The day has come. In the streets of the Plaza Mayor, the two Spaniards shine and impress.

A duo born from reunion

Leal and Guerrero know each other inside out. Both trained in Andalusia, they played together in the youth system. Time had separated them, but 2025 marks their reunion on the professional circuit. “It's a huge joy. We had this dream, and now we're living it,” says Leal.

The understanding is evident on the court: Fran works the points, Javi finishes. “He creates the chances for me, and I finish. It's a total team effort,” explains Leal, who shines with his ever-impactful smash.

A turning point after years of waiting

Since 2021, Javi Leal has been waiting for a real breakthrough on the professional circuit. Rome was the turning point. “I needed these results. It was my first semi-final in Premier Padel. It gave me confidence.” A palpable emotion, after a more complicated period.

The young Spaniard has never hidden the fact that he has struggled with doubts, particularly those related to his public image. “There was a time when the criticism affected me, I'm not going to lie. But that's in the past. Today, I play for fun, for myself.”

Not a fixed style, but an instinctive game

Tactically, Leal insists that the duo's style adapts to the opponents and the conditions. "In Valladolid, it's very different depending on the time of day. You have to adjust to each match." While there's no single formula, one thing is certain: Leal and Guerrero are having fun, and it shows.

What's next? Ever higher

With two semi-final appearances under their belts in just three tournaments together, Leal and Guerrero likely form the pair of the moment on the men's circuit. And that's just the beginning.

“We're going to fight every point. No matter who our rival is.” The message is clear: the two friends are not done making waves.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

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