Lucas Bergamini is not one to take shortcuts. Arriving in Spain in 2017 to try his luck in the professional circuit, the Brazilian has climbed the ladder little by little. His style of play? That of a right-wing player, who compensates for his lack of power by reading the game perfectly. In 2024, he had the best season of his career, reaching the Final Master of Premier Padel.

Now associated with Paquito Navarro, he aims even higher. In an interview for Relief, Bergamini looks back on his season, his vision of the circuit and his ambition for 2025.

A complicated start in Riyadh

The pair Bergamini / Navarro did not have the start to the season they had hoped for in Riyadh. Eliminated in the round of 16 by Tino Libaak and Juan Tello After two close tie-breaks, they come out frustrated but confident:

“We had a good feeling, but we didn't arrive in top physical shape. We knew it was going to be tough, but we'll improve in the coming weeks.”

The Reserve Cup in Miami: a taste of the future of padel?

Before starting his official season, Bergamini participated in the Reserve Cup in Miami, a new competition that attracts more and more big names in padel.

“It was a great experience, even if the weather didn't help. The format is interesting, and I hope to be able to participate in other stages this year.”

This competition was also an opportunity to meet Wayne boich, entrepreneur and great padel enthusiast, who convinced Arturo Coello to settle in Miami. Bergamini understands this choice and even thinks that other players will follow:

“We were all attracted to Spain because that was where the tournaments were played, but today the situation is changing. There are opportunities elsewhere, and you have to see padel as a business too. If a good opportunity presents itself, I would have no problem leaving.”

A quick adaptation with Paquito Navarro

The association Bergamini / Navarro formed late, in late 2024. Despite limited training time, the connection seems to work well:

“Paquito told me that our understanding was even better than he imagined. We complement each other well.”

Playing with a player with such an explosive temperament as Navarro does not scare him:

“I played with Lamperti, I am used to strong characters! These players want to win, it is normal that they are expressive on the pitch. What I want is for him to be all in, to believe in victory and to give his all.”

The objective of this association is clear: enter the Top 4 of the ranking and aim for titles.

“We know that the first two pairs (Coello/Tapia and Chingotto/Galán) are above, but we have the potential to go and get the others. If we find our best level, we can beat anyone.”

A player loyal to long-term projects

In a circuit where partner changes are frequent, Bergamini has always bet on stability. For more than two years, he played alongside Victor Ruiz, but their association ended in 2024 after mixed results.

“I'm not the type to change partners. But last year I had to do it several times. It's never easy, especially when it happens after only three tournaments.”

That's what happened with Juanlu Esbri, with whom he had achieved a superb semi-final in their first tournament together, before receiving a call from Javi Garrido to play with him.

“When a Top 10 player asks you to play with him, you can't say no. It's the same for Paquito today: if a Top 4 player calls him tomorrow, I would understand if he seizes the opportunity.”

Constant progress and a clear objective

The year 2024 was a learning year for Bergamini. He managed to play his first Final Master, a goal he had set for himself a long time ago. But he does not intend to stop there.

“My dream for 2025 is to finish in the top four pairs and return to the Master Final with Paquito.”

He knows that the competition is tough and that every match is a battle:

“People see a score of 6/4 7/5 and think it was a quiet match. But in reality, you can be on the verge of losing. The level is so high that nothing is a given.”

Despite this, he keeps his feet on the ground and takes a step back from his career:

“When I left Brazil, I didn't imagine I could make a living from padel. Today, I'm in the Top 8, I play with Paquito Navarro, I know the best players in the world... You have to know how to appreciate that.”

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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