Friendly, easy to learn and fun, padel is the perfect sport to spend time together family. Whether between parents and children, between brothers and sisters or as a couple, playing doubles helps to connections or develop the complicity, and regardless of the level of play. At high level, there are many examples.

Siblings without net

On the circuit World Padel Tour, it is not uncommon to see siblings roaming the tournaments. The most famous case is obviously that of Gemelas Atomikas, the Sánchez Alayeto sisters with Maria José, alias Majo, world number 8, and Maria Pilar, alias Mapi, world number 9. The two sisters are obviously one of the strongest pairs in the history of women's padel. The Navarro sisters have different successes but they are 3 to have a WPT ranking with Teresa, 24th in the world, María (96) and Pilar (102).

The Gallant are also a well-known example of family practice. Alejandro is number 1 while his sister Alba is ranked 19th among women. Among men, 3 clans stand out: Javier and José Rico, respectively world numbers 20 and 39; Juan Cruz and Patricio Nahuel Belluati (WPT numbers 24 and 213); Matias and Gonzalo Díaz (world numbers 12 and 60) who also have the distinction of having had a father, Roberto, who is a world reference in padel!

TAPIA - TRAVIESA - FEBRUARY 2019

Couples stories

Padel is also a couple affair. This is the case in particular Agustín Tapia (No. 7 worldwide) and Nicole Traviesa (31st) who live together in Barcelona where the Argentine has taken up residence. Ramiro Moyano (# 28) and Teresa Navarro (her again!) Share their lives on and off the court. Further down the world hierarchy, we also find Jordi Muñoz (# 92) and Cynthia Pérez (# 104). Among the iconic couples, Argentines Sanyo Gutiérrez (nº4) and Valeria Pavón, who retired in 2018, remain a reference, as do Lucia Sainz and Gemma Triay who, even though they have just separated on the courts, are still together in life.

Finally, it happens that couples play crossed: former teammates Fernando Belasteguín (nº6) and Pablo Lima (nº5) continue their passion for padel with their partners, respectively Cristina Casacuberta who played at Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, and Paula Miranda who was part of the Brazilian national team!

François Miguel Boudet Padel sports journalist

I am a sports journalist based in Barcelona and of course a padel fanatic.

RMC Sports, L'Equipe Magazine, Sport24, Infosport +, BeIN sports and now the icing on the cake: Padel Magazine ! ;)