Le  FIP Platinum Lyon  has its new favorites. Registered in the final hours before closing time,  Franco Stupaczuk and Jon Sanz  significantly reinforce an already strong masculine image and establish themselves directly as the  pair number 1 on paper .

Having only been playing together since the summer break, the Argentinian and the Spanish left-hander immediately found the right formula, with  a title in their very first tournament together at the FIP Gold in Belgrade before continuing their break-in period on the circuit Premier PadelTwo players established among the world's elite, two particularly complementary profiles, and a young association arriving in Lyon with a status to uphold:  that of the pair to beat .

A game of musical chairs that led to the pairing

History  Stupaczuk / Sanz  begins during the summer break, amidst a new movement among the world's best pairs. After several months alongside  mike yanguas Franco Stupaczuk chose to change projects.

At the same time,  Jon Sanz ends his second association with Coki Nieto , with whom he had nevertheless experienced one of the greatest moments of his career by winning the  Premier Padel Finals 2024 .

The game of musical chairs is then almost perfect:  Stupaczuk reunites with Nieto's former partner, while Nieto teams up with Yanguas, Stupa's former partner. Two new pairs directly competing in the world rankings, who, moreover, did not have to wait long before meeting again.

For their  our very first tournament together in Belgrade Stupaczuk and Sanz reach the final… against  Nieto / Yanguas A first confrontation that was bound to be unique, and which they won.  6 / 3 7 / 5  by the Argentinian and the Spaniard, who thus secure  a title in their first week as a team .

Jon Sanz leaves Coki Nieto to join Franco Stupaczuk

A left-handed player to give Stupaczuk back his freedom

Beyond the results, the association possesses a real  sporting consistency . By  Jon sanz Stupaczuk finds himself on his right a  left-handed , a configuration he knows well, having notably evolved with  Álex Ruiz in 2021 , with two titles at stake.

Explosive, capable of covering a lot of ground and making an impact in the center despite his position on the right, Sanz offers the Argentinian more freedom to express what makes him strong:  his work rate, his defense, and his ability to accelerate as soon as the rally shifts .

But the Spaniard's mission doesn't stop at the field. At the launch of their association, Sanz explained that he also wanted to enable Stupa to  rediscovering pleasure and spontaneity A role that perfectly suits the personality of the left-hander, known for his energy and unpredictable nature.

After spending the first part of the season with Yanguas, Stupaczuk has therefore chosen a very different profile to try to find a formula capable of bringing him closer to the very best pairs in the world.

Jon Sanz: "Part of my job is to bring joy back to Stupaczuk."

After Belgrade, a few more adjustments

The title won in their very first joint appearance  Belgrade  had inevitably set the bar very high. The return to the circuit Premier Padel However, it proved more complicated.  Madrid Stupaczuk/Sanz were surprised in the round of 16 by  Alex Arroyo / José Jiménez (7/6 6/4) , a first poor performance for a pair who arrived with new ambitions.

A few days later at  Paris Major The journey continued to the quarter-finals, notably after a victory against  Thomas Leygue / Jesus Moya (7/5 6/3) . In front of  Martín Di Nenno / Paquito Navarro In a match that appeared particularly evenly matched on paper, Stupa and Sanz ultimately succumbed after three sets.  6/4 1/6 6/4 .

A narrow defeat that mainly confirms that after an almost perfect start in Belgrade, the new pair is still searching  the consistency needed to establish oneself permanently among the very best associations on the circuit Lyon, where she will finish at the top of the list of entrants, now represents a great opportunity to regain a winning momentum.

Two players already accustomed to the highest levels

Although their partnership is recent,  Franco Stupaczuk and Jon Sanz are perfectly aware of the demands of the very highest level. At 30 years old, the Argentinian obviously has the most impressive CV.

Former member of the famous  “Superpibes” alongside Martín Di Nenno Stupa has established himself among the world's leading figures over the past several seasons, working on numerous projects with some of the best players on the circuit, from  Sanyo Gutiérrez to Pablo Lima , more recently passing through  Juan Lebrón and Mike Yanguas .

Jon Sanz, 25, has less experience but has already proven his ability to shine in the biggest events. With  Coki Nieto The Spanish left-hander had won two titles in 2024, at  Bordeaux   and especially during the  Premier Padel Barcelona Finals In the final, Nieto/Sanz had overturned  Arturo Coello / Agustín Tapia (3/6 7/5 6/3) , bringing to an end the impressive series of  47 consecutive wins  world number 1s.

Two different backgrounds that already bring this new pair solid experience in major events.

In Lyon, a target on their back

Their registration in the last few hours has especially  reshuffled the cards of the FIP Platinum Lyon Until then,  Fran Guerrero / Javi Leal  appeared at the top of the list of registered voters, ahead of, among others  Martín Di Nenno / Juan Tello The arrival of Franco Stupaczuk,  8th in the world and Jon Sanz,  11e This changes everything: the new pair will be presented in Lyon  at the very top of the hierarchy  and with the status of the table's main reference.

But the path to a second joint title is far from clear. Behind them,  Guerrero / Leal capable this season of taking down Coello/Tapia,  Di Nenno / Tello , brought together exceptionally for the occasion, but also several pairs from the Top 20 will contribute to a particularly dense draw.

After Belgrade, Madrid and Paris, Lyon therefore looks like a real opportunity to confirm that their first trophy was not simply the effect of a successful start.

Raphael Degironde

As a padel fan and player, I scan the padel scene: Beware, you are being watched!

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