Paquito Navarro: “I think this will be my last World Cup”

At 37 years, Paquito Navarro continues to be one of the key figures in world padel. Still firmly established among the elite of Premier Padel, the Sevillian has embarked on a new adventure alongside two tournaments ago Martín Di Nenno , with whom he had come close to reaching the world number 1 ranking in 2021.

In a lengthy interview given to BRAND The Spaniard opened up about his career, fatherhood, his relationship with his teammates, the upcoming World Cup and his future retirement.

"I'm a competition addict."

Seventeen years after his professional debut alongside Tito Allemandi Paquito remains driven by the same passion.

"What I enjoy is the competition. No matter who I'm facing, I step onto the field thinking I'm going to win."

The Sevillian acknowledges, however, that his vision of competition has evolved. His objectives are no longer the same as when he was pursuing the dream of becoming world number 1.

"Today, you have to manage expectations and avoid getting frustrated. I'm surrounded by 25-year-old monsters. You have to prepare to suffer a little more."

Fatherhood changed everything

Having become a father, Paquito explains that he has discovered a new perspective on life.

"I didn't know it was possible to love a little person so much. It brings you back down to earth and completely changes your priorities."

His wish? That his son could enjoy the last years of his career.

"I would like him to see me play again and to be able to accompany me to a few tournaments."

“Being a good partner has been my unfinished task.”

Known for his volcanic temperament on the field, Paquito demonstrates great lucidity about his flaws.

"My behavior with my partners has been my unfinished task."

He acknowledges that his sometimes excessive demands have occasionally been detrimental to him.

“I have this same high standard with my partners, but even more so with myself. When I see myself in certain videos, throwing my racket or losing my temper, I'm ashamed. If my son saw that, I would be embarrassed.”

The Sevillian insists, however, that he is working on this aspect of his personality, particularly thanks to his new partner.

"Martín is one of the best partners I've ever had. He's always positive and that helps me improve."

Why was Di Nenno found again?

Paquito admits that this new partnership is above all a matter of feelings.

“I wasn’t looking for a partner. The results with Fran Guerrero were pretty good. But I agreed to play with Martín again out of nostalgia and because I wanted to relive what we had experienced together.”

According to him, Di Nenno has also evolved.

"He now wants to prioritize performance. He even told me that he needs me to continue pushing him and being demanding of him."

The two men have set themselves a realistic goal: to regularly reach the quarter-finals and become a pair capable of troubling the best.

The World Cup? "It'll be 50-50."

With the World Championship just a few months away, Paquito believes that Spain and Argentina are closer than ever.

"This will probably be the most balanced World Cup in history. There is no nation clearly superior to the other."

The Spaniard does not consider himself a guaranteed player to be among the eight selected.

"I don't see myself as an undisputed starter. There's a lot of competition."

"With Spain, I experienced everything: losing and winning crucial points, losing and winning matches without much at stake... The journey was magnificent and I hope to be selected for this World Cup, because I think it will be my last."

He nevertheless hopes to participate in this edition, which he probably considers to be his last.

The Galán-Lebrón case does not worry him

When questioned about the tensions between Alejandro Galán et Juan Lebrón Paquito appeared very calm.

"People can rest assured: if Lebrón and Galán are meant to play together for Spain at the World Cup, they will."

According to him, the two players will be able to put their differences aside when it comes to defending the colors of their country.

A retirement that remains unclear

As for what comes after padel, Paquito admits he doesn't yet have a specific plan.

"Honestly, I don't know."

The Sevillian has already drawn up a long list of wishes: to spend more time with his loved ones, to learn English perfectly, to improve at golf, to play the guitar, to walk the Camino de Santiago, to travel Route 66 or even to visit China.

One thing is certain, however: he does not intend to completely distance himself from padel.

"I would like to continue contributing, even though I don't yet know if I see myself as a coach."

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 !