Lucía Sainz Pelegri, born on October 5, 1984, in Barcelona, Spain, is a renowned professional padel player and a former professional tennis player. Recognized for her intense competitiveness and leadership qualities, Sainz has made a lasting impact on both the tennis and padel arenas. Her athletic journey commenced at the young age of five when she first began to play tennis.

Raised in a family that cherished sports, Lucía was introduced to basketball, skiing, tennis, and eventually, padel. This athletic environment fostered her strong enthusiasm for physical activity. After achieving success in tennis as a collegiate athlete at Fresno State in California, she made the switch to padel in 2010, a decision that would shape her professional journey.

Lucía's narrative exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and leadership. She reached the top of the World Padel Tour (WPT) rankings in 2020, partnering with Gemma Triay, and has also taken on the role of the inaugural president of the International Padel Players Association (IPPA). Her impact on women's padel goes well beyond her accomplishments on the court, as she passionately champions equality and development within the sport.

Her greatest aspiration is to showcase her sport on the Olympic stage, a goal that demonstrates her commitment to achieving worldwide recognition for padel.

Significant Career Achievements

Lucía Sainz's career is filled with numerous accolades and notable accomplishments that highlight her legacy as one of the most impactful figures in the world of padel.

Statistics

Lucía Sainz's remarkable career is highlighted by her notable accomplishments and records, showcasing her unwavering consistency and exceptional performance in the sport.

Statistical Data

Description

ITF Women's Doubles Titles

6

Debut in Professional Padel

The year 2010

Titles on the WPT with Triay

Several

Ranking as the World Number 1

Accomplished in 2020

Presidency of the IPPA

Chosen in 2022

These statistics highlight Lucía’s adaptability as an athlete and her capacity to thrive in both tennis and padel. Her achievements on the court are complemented by her impact beyond it, as she persistently advocates for the advancement of women’s padel.

Resilience & Comebacks

Lucía Sainz has faced numerous challenges throughout her career. From injuries to the difficulties of switching between sports, her path reflects her remarkable resilience.

In 2019, Lucía faced challenges due to a persistent foot injury that impacted her performance and preparation throughout the 2020 season. Despite these difficulties, she and her partner Gemma Triay soared to the pinnacle of the WPT rankings, establishing themselves as the top duo in a remarkable year for women’s padel.

The 2022 season presented new challenges when her partner, Marta Marrero, sustained an injury right before the Miami Open, which was the first tournament of the season. This unfortunate incident interrupted their momentum and required Lucía to adjust her gameplay. Nevertheless, despite the difficult beginning, she and Marrero worked hard to advance to the semifinals in several tournaments, demonstrating that perseverance yields results.

Lucía’s leadership goes beyond her personal challenges. As the president of the IPPA, she has embraced the responsibility of navigating the intricacies of professional padel, handling everything from prize money discussions to the formation of a players’ association. Her ability to balance these roles while staying competitive on the court demonstrates her remarkable character and commitment.

Her Legacy

Lucía Sainz has made a significant impact on the world of padel. As one of the rare athletes to attain the prestigious title of world number one, she has motivated numerous young players to aspire for greatness. Her efforts to promote equality in prize money and to enhance opportunities for female athletes have led to substantial improvements within the sport, especially in its professional framework.

As the inaugural president of the IPPA, Lucía has played a crucial role in driving significant advancements in women's padel. The groundbreaking announcement of equal prize money in 2023 marks a landmark achievement that will always be linked to her leadership. Furthermore, her initiatives to broaden the sport's presence, especially in markets such as the USA, embody her vision for the future of padel.

Lucía’s influence extends beyond her personal accomplishments. Her perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to promoting padel have established her as a role model for athletes in various fields.

Future Prospects

As Lucía Sainz advances in her career, she remains focused on her ultimate aspiration: participating in the Olympic Games. Her efforts to promote padel as an Olympic sport align seamlessly with her goal of achieving worldwide recognition for the sport she is passionate about.

Outside of her playing career, Lucía's role as the president of the IPPA is poised to be crucial in influencing the future of the sport. Her commitment to promoting equality and increasing the global presence of padel is sure to create a significant and enduring impact.

As padel continues to grow rapidly, especially beyond Spain, Lucía is optimistic that the sport's brightest days are yet to come. Her collaborations with brands such as Kuikma and her engagement with emerging circuits emphasize her dual role as an athlete and a representative of the sport.

The journey of Lucía Sainz is far from finished. Through her on-court achievements and her off-court efforts, she remains a powerful influence in the realm of padel, motivating both players and fans alike.