The Padel Report

Your insider guide to the sport's biggest moves

The Hexagon Cup final delivered drama worthy of its Madrid venue, with AD/Vantage Padel Team's Delfina Brea and Martina Calvo clinching the opening point in straight sets before Martín Di Nenno sealed the championship without needing the Next Gen match. Meanwhile, Ari Sánchez is preparing to drop a bombshell that could reshape the women's elite circuit after five seasons alongside Paula Josemaría, and the padel world is buzzing about what "several options" might mean for the sport's power dynamics heading into the new season.

Big Developments

🏆 AD/Vantage Padel Team Claims Second Hexagon Cup Title in Dominant Fashion

AD/Vantage Padel Team conquered KRÜ Padel by Taktika 2-0 in the Hexagon Cup 2026 final at Madrid's Caja Mágica, with world No. 1 Delfina Brea leading the charge alongside Martina Calvo in the women's match. Martín Di Nenno and Juan Tello then sealed the championship by defeating Federico Chingotto and Momo González 7-6(3), 6-4, making the Next Gen match unnecessary.

Why it matters: This victory cements AD/Vantage's status as the premier team-format franchise, now holding two titles in three editions. The Andy Murray and Anthony Joshua-backed squad's success demonstrates how cross-sport investment and international ownership are reshaping padel's competitive landscape, potentially influencing other sports celebrities to enter the market. Read more at El Neverazo

🔄 Ari Sánchez Teases Major Partnership Change After Five-Year Run

After five seasons dominating alongside Paula Josemaría, Ari Sánchez has announced she's preparing for "another big change" with "several options" on the table, promising to reveal her decision within days. The timing suggests a strategic move before the 2026 season gains full momentum.

Why it matters: Sánchez's partnership change will trigger a domino effect across the women's elite circuit, potentially reshuffling the top-10 pairings and creating new title contenders. Her decision could influence other high-profile players' partnership choices and reshape tournament dynamics for the entire 2026 season, making this one of the most significant off-court moves in recent memory. Read more at Mundo Deportivo

Teemo's Thoughts: AD/Vantage's Hexagon Cup dominance proves that celebrity ownership isn't just flashy marketing—it's building genuine competitive advantages through superior resources and player recruitment. But the real story is Ari Sánchez's bombshell announcement, which feels perfectly timed to maximize leverage in partnership negotiations. Five years with Josemaría is an eternity in modern padel, and whatever move she's planning will likely reshape the women's game more than any tournament result could.

Insights

Arturo Coello Challenges Perceptions About His Greatest Strength

World No. 1 Arturo Coello surprised analysts by stating that his most celebrated attribute "is not the best part of my game," suggesting fans and experts may be misreading his tactical evolution. The comment hints at tactical adjustments that could influence how opponents prepare for matches against the Spanish star.

Why it matters: Coello's self-assessment reveals the psychological warfare inherent in elite padel, where players strategically manage perceptions about their strengths and weaknesses. This insight offers coaches and analysts a rare glimpse into how top players view their own games versus public perception, potentially indicating tactical shifts that could influence match preparation and opponent strategies throughout 2026. Read more at Mundo Deportivo

Quick Hits

• Sharifova and Borrero kicked off 2026 with a winning debut at the FIP Bronze Comunidad Valenciana tournament, signaling strong early-season form. Read more at Padel FIP

• Technical analysts have identified the top three control-oriented rackets for 2026, highlighting evolving equipment trends among precision-focused players. Read more at Analistas Padel

• Federico Chingotto earned MVP honors in the men's category at the Hexagon Cup despite his team's final loss, while Delfina Brea claimed the women's MVP award.

Community Updates

South African property developer Balwin terminated its relationship with a padel executive after racist WhatsApp messages surfaced, highlighting the ongoing importance of ethical leadership as the sport expands into new markets. The incident underscores how padel's global growth brings increased scrutiny of leadership conduct across all levels. Read more at The Mail & Guardian

Industry analysis reveals the leading padel court construction companies driving infrastructure development worldwide, with quality standards and regional expertise becoming key differentiators in the booming facility construction market. Read more at Barchart

That's a wrap on this week's padel action. Keep your eyes on Ari Sánchez's upcoming announcement—it could reshape everything we think we know about the 2026 season.