Focus on one of the biggest players in padel, one of the most publicized, one of the most charismatic and for whom the 2018 season was particularly eventful, Paquito Navarro, the Andalusian. Before launching the 2019 season alongside the young and promising Juan Lebron, let's take a look back at his 2018 season.

Here are some questions asked by our colleagues from MundiPadel :

  • What is your 2018 balance sheet?

In general, the balance is positive. A season spent alongside my idol Juan Martin Díaz brought me a lot on the field and also outside. The results were pretty good. Then I could play with Pablo Lima, 2 tournaments, a win and a final, what better ...

  • Of all the tournaments played in 2018, which scored you the most?

All tournaments have something special, but when I play on my land it's really special. Playing on Jaen's central has been extraordinary. Then there was Lisbon with my accident. This tournament made me think of many things, life and the people around you. Although I was really scared and dragged "war wounds", I keep in my heart the support of people, an incalculable value for me.

  • What do you think of the World Cup padel 2018, conditions and the absence of a winner?

Le padel professional grows a little more each year, it is indisputable. What happened in Paraguay is a step backwards. There must be a minimum of standards for this kind of event and allow players to best represent their selection. I hope that this bad experience will be useful for future international competitions.

  • Change partners during the season, good / Not good?

I think it's good for the balance of the team, that the players stay together from the beginning to the end of the season. But there are unforeseen factors that sometimes come into play; lesions, progress opportunities for one of the two players, or simply an awareness that the team is not working.

  • Le padel evolves in Spain but also beyond the borders. Do you notice this evolution?

Verry much. We see more and more French coming to train in Spain. In Italy there are very important team tournaments that will play Spanish players, in Sweden it has been incredible and in Portugal we are getting used to see players enter the final table. The outlook is very positive.

  • In 2018, Fernando Belasteguin is no longer Nº1 after 16 consecutive years. Would it be the announcement of a change?

First of all, Bela lost her 1 number post because of an injury. Then there are some very good, young, very talented players coming into power. Here is the revolution.

  • Young people arrive very well by being more and more present in the final tables. Would they be dethroning veterans?

It is the harsh law of life. It is good that there is a regeneration (as long as they do not chase me lol). People want to see new faces and it feels good for the sport.

  • The season finished, did you reach your goals?

It was not easy because JMD returned from injury and remained off the field for a whole year. We did not know how he would react and what would be his evolution. But hey, the results show that the year was not so bad.

  • What objective do you fix yourself in 2019?

Improve myself, always improve myself. I return to the field to win, regardless of my opponents. From there, if with my partner we give everything, no matter ending 1 number or 6 number.

  • Something to add ?

A big thank you to my family, my friends, my sponsors, and all the people who follow us by filling the stadiums or via social networks. We feel loved.

Source: Mundipadel

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.

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