The puzzle is finally complete. With this morning’s official announcement of the union between legend Alejandra Salazar and young prodigy Alejandra Alonso for a “Last Dance,” the craziest transfer window in the history of women’s padel is coming to an end.
The historic split of Ari Sánchez and Paula Josemaría has caused a real domino effect. The cards are being reshuffled, points recalculated, and the world ranking is completely shaken up before the kick-off in Riyadh.
📊 The World Top 8 Under the Microscope
Who starts in pole position? Here is the official cumulative ranking of the new pairings for the start of the 2026 season:
| Rank | New Pairing | FIP Points |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 👑 | Gemma Triay / Delfi Brea Stability rewarded | 36,120 |
| No. 2 | Bea González / Paula Josemaría The explosive alliance | 27,760 |
| No. 3 | Ari Sánchez / Andrea Ustero The 100% Catalan bet | 21,245 |
| No. 4 | Sofia Araújo / Claudia Fernández | 20,070 |
| No. 5 | Tamara Icardo / Claudia Jensen | 11,455 |
| No. 6 | Martita Ortega / Martina Calvo | 11,180 |
| No. 7 | Alejandra Salazar / Alejandra Alonso | 10,495 |
| No. 8 | Vero Virseda / Marina Guinart | 8,225 |
Analysis of New Dynamics
The Youth Bet
This table reveals a clear trend: established stars are betting on the new generation.
- Ari Sánchez takes Andrea Ustero (prodigious left-hander) under her wing.
- Martita Ortega bets on Martina Calvo.
- Ale Salazar will play her last season with Ale Alonso.
The Top 16 Outsiders
Behind this leading pack, the battle to reach the quarterfinals will be fierce. Several dangerous pairs are lying in wait:
- Caldera / Goenaga (7,430 pts)
- Osoro / Iglesias (7,060 pts) – “La Vikinga” is back!
- Sainz / Eugenio (5,360 pts)
- Fassio / Llaguno (5,335 pts)
The first tournament in Saudi Arabia will be the ultimate test. Will the chemistry immediately click between Bea and Paula? Will Ustero‘s youth withstand the pressure alongside Ari? The answer in a few weeks!
What is your favorite pair in this new Top 8?
