While Delfi Brea and Gemma Triay have just dethroned, for the first time as a pair, Paula Josemaría and Ariana Sánchez at the top of the world ranking, a new question emerges in women's padel:  Which player from the new generation will be the first to reach the world number 1 spot individually? 

Delfi Brea's performance could open a gap. Argentina, buoyed by its recent results alongside Gemma, could aim for first place alone. But behind her, several young players also seem to be approaching the top.

Martina Calvo, the Catalan revelation

The young Catalan has made an impression since the start of the season. First with Zazu Osoro, and now alongside Alejandra Salazar, Martina Calvo has established herself as one of the most complete players on the circuit. Her modern, varied, and effective padel style, combined with great maturity, suggests great potential.

It remains to be seen whether these promises will be sustained over time. Reaching the top of the world rankings requires a  very high level regularity , which Calvo has not yet had time to install.

Carmen Goenaga, a power in the making

Before Calvo's emergence, it was Carmen Goenaga's name that came up in all the conversations about the next generation.  punching power , especially in smash, is recognized, as is her activity on the court. Associated with Bea Caldera, she forms an ambitious pair.

Goenaga's challenge could come from his high-energy playing style. To take it to the next level, he will likely need to diversify his options and learn to better manage his strong moments.

Castello / Rufo, a structured project

Lorena Rufo and Jessica Castello probably make up the  most structured Next Gen pair  of the moment. Taken over by Miguel Sciorilli (former coach of Fernando Belasteguín), they have solid benchmarks. Individually, they have already achieved some benchmark results. As a duo, they can aim higher, notably the top 10 in 2026.

Claudia Jensen, between genius and irregularity

Talented and unpredictable, Claudia Jensen has already made a name for herself. Her creativity and instinctive padel style stand out on a circuit where tactical approaches and measured risk-taking have become the norm.

But this strength is also his limitation: the irregularity of his performances is, for the moment, holding back his progression to the highest peaks. Structuring his game could allow him to reach a new level.

Alejandra Alonso, the well-made head

Alejandra Alonso ticks a lot of boxes:  technique, power, playing intelligence and strong personality His run with Andrea Ustero has already shown his ability to express himself in big moments. Now it's a matter of getting used to the high-stakes matches in the final draws.

On the tour, some are talking about a possible partnership with a higher-ranked player. If this materializes, it could quickly open the doors to the world's top.

Andrea Ustero, fire and mastery

Both instinctive and capable of flashes of brilliance, Andrea Ustero alternates between excellent performances and lesser-known moments. A finalist in a major tournament alongside Delfi Brea, she has proven that she can compete at this level.

What comes next will depend on her ability to channel her energy and stabilize at the top of the rankings—a challenge that many players have taken several seasons to overcome.

Claudia Fernandez, the most credible option?

Claudia Fernandez now appears to be the closest, mathematically, to the throne. Her consistency, tactical rigor, and technical solidity make her a serious contender.

Her collaboration with Bea Gonzalez is under scrutiny. The question remains whether this partnership will allow Claudia to take the next step. More liberated offensively, she could become a player capable of assuming leadership from the right side of the court.

Laura Lujan, the possible surprise

Less publicized than the others,  Laura Lujan  has made rapid progress this season. Well established on the FIP circuit a year ago, she is now making a string of appearances on the circuit Premier Padel, with solid performances, including a victory at the FIP Silver in Bandol with Léa Godallier.

Prepared in southern Spain by Pablo Mozo and Javi Peña, it impresses with its tactical maturity and accuracy. Still far from the top 30, it could quickly get closer.

A season to follow closely

Women's padel is going through a transition period where young players are shaking up the hierarchy. While the race for the throne is still dominated by a few established names, the emergence of this  new generation  promises upheavals in the medium term.

The meeting is set for the end of the season, where a first progress report will provide more clarity in this race for succession.

Alexandre Prevert

Director & Coach of his high-level Academy in Barcelona: Alexandre shares life on the FIP circuits & Premier Padel !

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