The history of world number 1s: from Belasteguín to Coello

Become global 1 number is the holy grail for a padel player. Getting to the top is already an achievement, but staying there shows remarkable consistency and dominance. Here’s a look at how long some of the biggest names in padel have held the top spot.

Fernando Belasteguín: An unbeatable legend

With 16 saisons Having moved to the top of the rankings, Fernando Belasteguín remains the most dominant player in the history of padel. Alongside Juan Martín Díaz de 2002 to 2014, then with Pablo Lima between 2015 and 2017.

Juan Martin Diaz: The King of Beginnings

Juan Martín Díaz, Bela's historic partner, also dominated during 14 saisons. He began this series in 2001 with Hernán Auguste, before reigning with Belasteguín de 2002 to 2014, forming a historic pair.

Juan Lebrón: The Spanish Revival

After years of Argentine domination, Juan Lebrón became the first Spaniard along with Paquito Navarro to reach the world number one spot on the WPT circuit. With 4 saisons to his credit, first with Paquito Navarro in 2019, then with Alejandro Galán From 2020 to 2022, he opened a new era for Spanish padel.

Pablo Lima: Brazilian excellence

Pablo Lima, in partnership with Fernando Belasteguín between 2015 and 2017, spent 3 saisons at the top, thus becoming the only Brazilians to achieve this distinction.

Alejandro Galán: Lebrón's ally

Along with Juan Lebrón, Alejandro Galán also topped the rankings during 3 saisons between 2020 and 2022, embodying the new generation of world padel.

Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello: The next generation of the world

More recently, the Tapia/Coello pair made their mark with their rise to the top. After an impressive 2024 season, Agustín Tapia et Arturo Coello end the year as world number 1, a status they acquired in 2023 and which they have been able to defend brilliantly. Dominant in the majority of tournaments this season, they intend to retain their crown in 2025, for a third consecutive year.

Sanyo Gutiérrez and Maxi Sánchez: A brief domination

Sanyo Gutiérrez and Maxi Sánchez have each passed 1 season at the top in 2018, forming a very successful pair.

Paquito Navarro: A memorable year

In 2019, Paquito Navarro, next to Juan Lebrón, wrote his name in the history of padel by becoming world number 1. That season, the pair marked a break in the dominance of Argentine players.

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 !