Francisco NavarroSays Paquito Navarro, speaks at the microphone of “ENERGY Padel“. The Spaniard discusses several topics: his last season, his new association with Lucas Bergamini, and his desire, at 36, to continue playing at the highest level and aim for a title Premier Padel in 2025.

Family and professional career

Paquito NavarroPadel legend, Jorge Luis, hopes to remain competitive for a few more years. But at 36, he knows the end is near. The support of a psychologist and his family is essential to help him make the right decision at the right time.

“I really value the opinions of those close to me. I can be wrong and feel something that doesn't match reality. I can feel hyper competitive, but if I lose in the first round or in qualifying, they can say to me: 'Paco, maybe your mind is telling you one thing, but your body is saying another.' As recently said Nadal : 'Mentally, I feel great, but physically, it's a different story.' I would understand that, and I hope I'll be able to realize it myself. But it's never easy, because we all want to stay competitive and get back to our best. However, nature and age are unforgiving. A day will come when I won't be able to give as much anymore.

Despite his determination to stay at the top, the professional circuit requires extensive travel around the world, resulting in sacrifices, including being away from his family.

“When I travel, I try to stay in touch as much as possible, even more so now because I miss my son more than padel. I always want to hear from him. Traveling is tough: you move around a lot and it's very lonely. Apart from a few pairs, most of us lose more than we win. Only one or two teams win tournaments, and there are tough times. I'm not going to complain because I feel very lucky, but there are times when you're alone, in a foreign country, far from your routine and your family. Luckily, with today's technology, we can stay in touch through video calls, which helps us feel a little closer.”

Barcelona's goal and a title in 2025

The Andalusian, originally from Seville, is a player of character who raises his game in difficult times. Since his debut in 2009, he has enjoyed numerous successes and has teamed up with various partners. His goal each season is clear: to qualify for the Final Master, which he won in 2023 alongside Federico Chingotto on the World Padel TourThis prestigious end-of-season tournament brings together the eight best pairs on the circuit to Barcelona.

“Yes, the Final Master is a special tournament, the last one of the year, a final effort. It's true that when I'm going through a bad period, that's often when I find my best level. I think it's because I'm a proud player: losing hurts me. Not playing in the final stages bothers me, so I always try to go further, to change something to get back to the final, fight for titles and stay in the spotlight.”

In 2024, Paquito Navarro showed great consistency in reaching nine semi-finalsincluding five consecutive between May and July. Winner of a title Premier Padel in 2022 with Martín Di Nenno when Qatar Major, however, he did not have the opportunity to play in a final on the circuit last season.

“Last year, I didn't win a single tournament. Now, I'm motivated and determined to get back to the top. I'm not looking to stay in the competition for three or four years just to make money. On the contrary, I want to reach the finals again. Maybe my psychologist will have to tell me that it's no longer possible, but in my head, my goal is clear: to get back to the finals and fight for titles.”

Paquito Navarro Martin Di Nenno champion Qatar Major 2022 first padel

Lucas Bergamini's choice and a spirit of revenge

In 2025, Paquito Navarro approaches the season with a vengeful mindset alongside Lucas Bergamini, currently ranked 16th in the world.

“Yes, I'm stung. Time will tell whether I'm capable or not, but my pride is hurt. How is it possible that I haven't played in a single final this year? Even if it's irrational, I absolutely want to return to the final.”

The Spaniard reconsiders his choice to partner the Brazilian, believing that their playing styles are more complementary.

“I thought of him because, even if Pablo was a very good choice, our playing style was not defined enough. This stressed us both and prevented us from fully exploiting our potential. Lucas is neither better nor worse than Pablo, but with him, we have a clearer idea of ​​our style of play and our strategy. This allows me to be more mentally calm.”

After 16 years of career, Paquito Navarro played alongside many partners with varied profiles, alternating between the left and right sides of the court. From attacking players like Juan Lebrón to defenders like Federico Chingotto, what type of player suits him best?

“I think I was able to adapt to my partners. I played with left-handers like Lima et John Martin, classic right-handers like Di Nenno et Chingotto, and aggressive players like Sanyo et Lebrón. By Chingotto et Martín, I felt freer and I felt like I was showing myself off better. That's what I'm feeling now with Bergamini. Historically, I've always played well with this type of partner. We'll probably perform better on intermediate or slow tracks, but I'm confident in Bergamini. "

Nicolas Fillaudeau

A big sports enthusiast and former tennis player, I discovered padel a few years ago without really focusing on it. Then I became addicted to this sport by practicing it and watching the premier padel matches. Looking forward to sharing the 2025 news with you!

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