Ariana Sanchez Fallada, popularly known as 'Magic Ari,' is a professional padel player from Spain who has swiftly emerged as one of the most powerful and influential personalities in the sport. Born on July 19, 1997, in Reus, Tarragona, Ariana's ascent in women's padel has been truly remarkable. Renowned for her outstanding technical abilities and her knack for creating 'magic' on the court, particularly with her remarkable backhand volley, she has gained recognition as one of the toughest competitors in the sport's history. Her dedication to padel was apparent from an early age, and her innate talent for the game allowed her to rise quickly through the ranks.

Since her debut in the World Padel Tour (WPT) in 2016, Ariana has demonstrated remarkable dedication and a fierce competitive nature. She rapidly ascended the rankings, ultimately achieving the No. 1 position in the WPT alongside her partner, Paula Josemaría. Throughout her journey, Ariana has amassed significant accomplishments, including 22 WPT titles and a World Championship win, solidifying her status as one of the sport's most successful and consistent athletes.

Ariana's achievements on the court stem from her unwavering work ethic and dedication to continuous improvement. Her remarkable ascent through the professional padel ranks highlights her commitment to excellence. In addition to her accolades in titles and rankings, she has motivated numerous young athletes with her resilience and capability to thrive under pressure.

Major Career Achievements

2016: Made her debut in the World Padel Tour.

Statistics Overview

Data Point

Information

Position on the Court

Backhand

Present Partner

Paula Josemaría

Years of Activity

2013 – Current

Total WPT Championships

22

World Padel Tour Ranking

Ranked No. 1 (alongside Paula Josemaría, 2023)

FIP Ranking

Ranked First

Winning Percentage

72% (271 victories out of 372 matches)

Resilience & Comebacks

Ariana's ascent to the top has been marked by various challenges. In 2020, a shoulder injury put her on the sidelines during a crucial part of the season, impacting her performance and outcomes. Nevertheless, 'Magic Ari' emerged even stronger, clinching two WPT titles with Alejandra Salazar despite her injury. This tenacity bore fruit when she teamed up with Paula Josemaría in 2021, leading them to the No. 1 position in the WPT rankings. Throughout her career, Ariana has confronted adversity with courage, demonstrating that determination and the ability to recover can transform setbacks into triumphs.

Her capacity to rebound from injuries and excel in new partnerships demonstrates her mental resilience and dedication to achieving greatness. Throughout 2023, even in the face of fierce competition and elevated expectations, Ariana and Paula maintained their dominance, securing several titles and establishing themselves as one of the greatest padel teams of all time.

Heritage

Ariana Sánchez has made a significant impact on the sport of padel. As one of the top competitors of her generation, she has played a crucial role in the global expansion of the game. Her achievement of reaching the No. 1 ranking at just 23 years old has motivated many young athletes, and her consistent performance and skill have raised the benchmarks for women’s padel. In addition to her accomplishments on the court, Ariana actively advocates for the sport's growth, particularly by striving to make padel more inclusive and promoting it as a worldwide phenomenon.

Ariana’s collaboration with Paula Josemaría has played a crucial role in their mutual achievements, as they have broken records and reached significant milestones together. Ariana’s capacity to manage her athletic career alongside her studies in Sports Science and Physiotherapy reflects her commitment to both the sport and her future endeavors.

Ariana's dedication to padel goes beyond her personal achievements in the sport. She is deeply committed to the future of padel, with aspirations for its global expansion, especially by promoting increased investment in the sport's infrastructure and enhancing women's participation. Her aspiration to represent Spain in the Olympics further underscores her ambitions and vision for the future of padel.

Future Prospects

Ariana Sánchez is poised to maintain her dominance in the padel arena, and the outlook for this young talent is exceptionally promising. With an already remarkable track record that includes 22 WPT titles, a World Championship victory, and a top ranking, the forthcoming years are anticipated to bring additional titles and significant milestones. As she continues to refine her skills alongside Paula Josemaría, it is clear that they will remain a formidable duo in the seasons to come.

Ariana's desire to maintain her position as No. 1 in the rankings for as long as possible reflects the legacy of her idol, Fernando Belasteguín, who astonishingly held the No. 1 ranking for 15 consecutive years. With her relentless drive and determination, Ariana has the potential to become one of the most influential figures in the history of padel.

Moreover, her continued studies in Sports Science and Physiotherapy will facilitate her ongoing participation in the sports field after her competitive career. Ariana's aspirations for the future of padel encompass broader international growth and enhanced equality between male and female athletes, guaranteeing that the sport flourishes on a global scale.