The curtain has fallen on the Barcelona Master Final in a crazy atmosphere. The number 1s were crowned, and the spectacle on the court was worthy of a final. Yet, the most intense excitement wasn’t on the glass court, but behind the scenes at Palau Sant Jordi.
While the players were battling for the final points of the season, agents, sponsors, and the athletes themselves were finalizing the signings that will redefine the 2026 hierarchy. From breakfast at the hotel to impromptu discussions in the parking lot, the Actu-padel team was at the heart of the action, collecting and cross-referencing information.
This fieldwork now allows us to reveal to you, with a very high probability of confirmation, the pairs that will try to dominate the Premier Padel circuit from the very first tournaments. Get ready: the 2026 season will be a revolution.
The Men’s Mercato: Strategic Alliances and Risk-Taking
The men’s circuit is the most shaken up, with unexpected breakups and the formation of alliances that promise to reshuffle the Top 10.
Paquito Navarro / Fran Guerrero
- The crazy gamble: The partnership between the experienced Paquito Navarro and the young gun Fran Guerrero is a real poker move. Paquito brings his creative genius, his unpredictability that destabilizes opponents. Guerrero, the breakout star of last season, brings energy and physical power.
- The challenge: The duo must find consistency. If Navarro manages to channel Guerrero’s fire, this pair will be capable of taking down anyone. Otherwise, they risk struggling against more consistent duos.
Franco Stupaczuk / Mike Yanguas
- Power and consistency: This is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated pairs. Stupaczuk, world champion, is a safe bet, endowed with an exceptional game vision. He teams up with Mike Yanguas, whose explosive power is already legendary.
- Objective: Aim for the Top 4. Stupa’s solidity and experience combined with Yanguas’s striking power make them a pair clearly cut out to challenge the number 1s.
Coki Nieto / Jon Sanz
- The marathoners: These two never give up. Coki Nieto and Jon Sanz will form the most tenacious duo on the circuit. Their strategy? To turn every match into a war of attrition.
- Playing style: Expect fierce defense, incredible retrieves, and constant pressure. Against the pure power of the best pairs, their reliability and endurance will be their best weapon.
Momo González / Martín Di Nenno
- Security to unleash the attack: This is a meaningful partnership. Martín Di Nenno is one of the best defenders on the circuit, a true all-risk insurance. By partnering with him, Momo González will be able to fully concentrate on his attacking role, using his vibora devastating.
- The potential: A patient pair, capable of wearing down the opponent for hours before delivering the fatal blow.
Other men’s pairs to watch:
- Juan Tello / Luca Bergamini: The Brazilian Bergamini will have to be the orchestrator who puts “El Gato” Tello into orbit to maximize his powerful game.
- Javi Leal / Pablo Cardona: The future of padel. Two young power hitters who bet everything on raw power.
The Women’s Mercato: The Quest for the Top
The women’s circuit is also undergoing a major shake-up, with duos that promise to be particularly dangerous for the title.
Bea González / Paula Josemaría
- The formidable pair: This is the biggest revelation of this Mercato. Bea González and Paula Josemaría bring together two of the most complete players on the circuit.
- Their strengths: González’s aggressive volley and all-court presence combine with Josemaría’s legendary power and speed. The goal is clear: the world title. They are shaping up to be the favorites for the start of the season.
Ariana Sánchez / Andrea Ustero
- Experience at the service of youth: Ariana Sánchez, former world number 1, is making a bold bet by partnering with the very young and promising left-hander Andrea Ustero.
- The challenge: If the chemistry between Ariana’s tactical mastery and Andrea’s youthful energy quickly develops, this duo could pull off major upsets.
Claudia Fernández / Sofia Araujo
- A balanced duo: The partnership between Claudia Fernández and Sofia Araujo forms a well-matched duo, blending the grace of the Spanish player with the power of the Portuguese player.
- The key point: The challenge will be the pair’s consistency throughout the season to stay in touch with the best pairs in the world.
These massive changes promise us a 2026 season of rare intensity. All that remains is to await official confirmations from the players, but one thing is certain: the hunt for the number 1s is open, and the Premier Padel circuit has never seemed so undecided.
Which new pairs do you think will manage to create a surprise next year? Feel free to share your predictions by commenting on this article.
