At 41 years,  Sanyo Gutiérrez  is very familiar with the cycles of the professional circuit.  Former world number 1  and long associated with  Paquito Navarro The Argentinian gave a lucid analysis of the future of the 37-year-old Spaniard's career.

In an exchange granted to VeintediezpadelSanyo discusses the reality of the "projects" that now structure elite sports, and  the difficulty for experienced players to continue to integrate into it. 

"Paco is no longer part of the project"

For Sanyo, Paquito Navarro's current situation is not linked to a drop in level but to a classic dynamic of the circuit.

“Paco is in that moment where you think to yourself: I'm playing well, everything's fine."Yes, but why are you being left out? Because you're no longer part of the project. And then someone else comes along, progresses with your partner… and you find yourself outside the project again."

According to him, this logic of short-term projects has become central to professional padel.

Age, a determining factor

Sanyo also mentions a thought he heard from the former player and consultant  Seba Nerone which, according to him, sums up a reality that is often difficult to accept.

"The reality is that Paco's level hasn't dropped. He remains competitive. But as Seba Nerone said: You're starting to get the partner you deserve.And this sentence is interesting because it's not necessarily related to skill level... but sometimes to age.

For the Argentinian, the new generation is now looking to  building projects  with players  of the same age group  and returns to the separation of  Paquito  with  Jon Sanz.  

“Players are starting to make plans with people their own age. Because beyond the pair that steps onto the court, there’s the shared life. And in that cohabitation, sometimes you’re no longer compatible. Paco can play the best padel in the world, but if Jon (Sanz) decides to switch to Coki (Nieto)…”

A complicated spiral of results

According to Sanyo, this context can quickly lead to a difficult sporting dynamic.

"That's how you might start losing matches that he thinks he shouldn't lose. But in padel, you can lose to anyone. Paco is starting to suffer from that, from the outside."

This is a situation that many players at the end of their cycle on the circuit are experiencing.

Navarro/Guerrero in trouble: a clear lack of direction in Mexico

"One of the best backhands on the tour"

Nevertheless, Sanyo insists on one point: from a sporting perspective,  Navarro remains an elite player .

"In terms of skill level, Paco's backhand is, for me, one of the best on the circuit today. Truly, one of the best."

But the experience and personality of the Sevillian are not always easy for much younger partners to manage.

"It's easier for me to understand everything about Paco, his complete style of play, than for someone like Fran, for example, who is 22 years old. And more than understanding, it's being able to put up with it. Sometimes it's not a question of willpower, it's just that you can't."

An analysis that clearly illustrates the transition the circuit is currently undergoing: between  historical players  who want to continue fighting at the top and  a younger generation  who builds projects for the long term.

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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