Just over three months from  2026 World Padel Championships , which will take place from  November 2-7 in Doha The battle to join the Spanish national team is already on everyone's mind. When questioned by Sports world during the Malaga P1,  Gemma Triay  acknowledged that the new coach,  Carolina Navarro , was going to have to make some particularly difficult choices.

 "I wouldn't want to be in his shoes." 

Spain, the reigning world champions, will once again enter the competition among the top favorites, alongside Argentina. But before even thinking about defending their title, they will have to assemble a roster of just eight players.

For Gemma Triay, the world number 1, Carolina Navarro's mission looks far from simple.

 "Carolina has a real headache. I wouldn't want to be in her shoes."  she said with a smile.

A way of highlighting the exceptional depth of women's padel in Spain.

Carolina Navarro, Spain's new captain: "We'll have to leave some players out."

 Fierce competition for just eight places 

Never before has Spain had so many players capable of aspiring to be selected.

Alongside the essentials  Gemma Triay ,  Paula Josemaría ,  Bea González  ou  Ari Sánchez Several other candidates can legitimately hope to be part of the trip to Doha:  Claudia Fernández ,  Andrea Ustero ,  Tamara Icardo ,  Marta Ortega ,  Martina Calvo ,  Alejandra Alonso  or,  Ale Salazar .

Aware of this competition, Triay prefers to focus on its performance.

 "Spain is fortunate to have a huge number of top-level players. My role is simply to do my best to earn my place. Then, it will be up to the coach to make her decision." 

 A unique tournament in a career 

For the Balearic player, the World Championship remains a unique competition, quite different from the other events on the circuit. Premier Padel.

 “We put on the Spanish jersey and we all row in the same direction. We play with teammates who are usually our opponents every week. The atmosphere is very special, we form a real team and we experience incredible moments.” 

An atmosphere that makes the world championship one of the most anticipated events of the season.

Gemma Triay: "I would have liked to end my story with Ale Salazar differently."

 The Ale Salazar case, between experience and new generation 

Among the cases awaiting Carolina Navarro is that of Ale Salazar  attracts particular attention.

À  40 years The former world number one is playing her final season on the professional circuit. With  seven world titles , a record in the history of padel, she could play her final World Championship in Doha under the Spanish colors.

Gemma Triay, who shared several successful seasons with the Madrid player, believes that her experience remains a real asset.

 "Ale always brings a lot to the table, both on and off the field. I think she has a chance. But there's also Martita, who has proven her level and achieved some very impressive victories. These are really complicated decisions." 

 Choosing beyond just the skill level 

In conclusion, Triay reminds us that the composition of a selection is not based solely on the results of the moment.

 “Many factors need to be considered. For some players, this might be their last World Cup, while others will still have opportunities. But above all, the coach must choose what she believes is best for the team. I am convinced she will make the best decision.” 

In Doha, Spain will be aiming for another world title. Before that, Carolina Navarro will have to solve what is undoubtedly the most enviable problem in women's padel today: choosing between a generation of players, many of whom would be worthy of a place on any other national team.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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