Key Takeaways
- Despite winning the title in Belgrade at their first attempt, world number 10 Jon Sanz said his new partnership with Franco Stupaczuk remains a work in progress, explaining that “new pairs always need an adaptation period”
- Sanz opposed imposing strict regulations on the circuit’s frequent changes of partners, arguing that “I don’t think you can force a pair that is broken and about to come to blows on court to keep playing together.”
- With Juanjo Gutierrez coaching Spain for the World Championship in Qatar, Sanz declared: “Since that final we lost in 2024, I dream many days about winning the World Cup.”
Building a partnership with Franco Stupaczuk
Forming an understanding with a new teammate takes time and patience on court, according to Jon Sanz. The Pamplona native, currently ranked world number 10, began a significant new chapter by joining Franco Stupaczuk following his split from Coki Nieto. Their partnership delivered an immediate trophy in Belgrade, although faster surfaces subsequently presented more difficult challenges.
Sanz assessed the obstacles that followed the pair’s early triumph while discussing the opening phase of their partnership. “New pairs always need an adaptation period, changes are never easy,” the Navarrese player said of their development. “We are trying to keep adapting, to keep getting to know each other, which is what we are working on. We had started in an incredible way, winning in Belgrade, where both of us were saying: ‘Well, it seems like we have been playing together for two years.’ But in the end, it’s never easy.”
For Sanz, establishing consistent performances matters more than fixed ranking objectives or qualification targets in the battle with pairings such as Coki Nieto and Mike Yanguas or Paquito Navarro and Martin Di Nenno. “What we are looking for is to compete, find good sensations, feel comfortable and have confidence,” he explained. “The real goal is to stand up to any pair and try to beat everyone, which isn’t easy, but above all to strike that good dynamic, which I’m sure we will achieve.”
The Paris atmosphere and mid-season changes of partner
The French spectators produced an electric atmosphere at the Premier Padel Paris Major that reminded Sanz of tournaments in South America. Playing at Roland Garros also posed major challenges, particularly against French player Thomas Leygue on Philippe Chatrier. “It is imposing, truthfully,” Sanz said. “I was just thinking about it today: in Argentina the fans live it with an incredible intensity, and I will tell you that here in Paris too. It has surprised me very positively; it is a pleasure to see padel experienced like this.”
Debate over regulating partner changes has grown after an unprecedented wave of mid-season splits on the current padel calendar. Sanz does not consider compulsory partnerships workable, having himself experienced mixed results alongside Nieto following their victory at the 2024 Barcelona Finals. “If you are really unhappy with your partner and things are bad, I don’t think you can force a pair that is broken and about to come to blows on court to keep playing together,” Sanz explained. “It’s just prolonging things unnecessarily, and you lose time in your career. And I don’t think we are in a position to waste time at the level the tour is at.”
Motivation from the 2024 final
Spain’s defeat to Argentina in the 2024 title match has left Sanz with unfinished business. Now 24, he has been selected by coach Juanjo Gutierrez and is firmly focused on representing the national team at the FIP World Championship in Qatar, alongside his commitments on the Premier Padel circuit.
“Since that final we lost in 2024, I dream many days about winning the World Cup,” Sanz said while explaining his desire to represent Spain again. “I would love to be in Doha, wear the Spanish jersey, and give everything for my team, my country, and all the people who support us.”
Sanz believes the special bond within Spain’s squad brings together players who ordinarily face each other every week. “What’s special about it is that in the end, we all pull together,” he said. “We are a real team. We’re incredibly close, we all trust each other, and we all row in the same direction. I loved that. There’s a really healthy atmosphere, we help each other a lot, and I’d be thrilled to win a World Championship with this team.”
Sanz has already formed effective pairings with several Spanish teammates, among them Ale Galan and Juan Lebron, and said he will take on any role Gutierrez assigns him in Qatar: “If nothing else, I’ll give it my all, fight for every ball, and if I have to leave my heart and soul on the court, I will.”
Nieto and Sanz: London, results, and ranking
Nieto and Sanz own a 23-14 win-loss record as a team in 2026. Their most recent appearance came on the 7th of August, when they lost the quarterfinal 3-6 6-2 3-6 to Augsburger (world no.6) and Lebron (world no.5).
Nieto and Sanz: London, results, and ranking
Together, Nieto and Sanz have compiled a 23-14 record in 2026. They last competed on the 7th of August, falling 3-6 6-2 3-6 in the quarterfinal to Augsburger (world no.6) and Lebron (world no.5).
