Paquito Navarro, a padel star, has listed three significant rule changes that he thinks ought to be implemented in 2026. His suggestions include introducing a variety of courts and balls, restricting the number of ranking tournaments, and standardizing the golden point system for all matches. Navarro contends that these modifications would encourage adaptability, lessen player exhaustion, and increase fan excitement during games.
Fewer competitions for superior results
According to Navarro, player rankings should only take into account the top 16 tournaments. This would lessen tiredness and the chance of injury by enabling athletes to concentrate on quality rather than quantity. According to Navarro, “players cannot just survive but perform at their best when there are fewer tournaments.”
Standardizing the golden point
Another goal of the Spanish ace is to make the golden point rule—a sudden-death situation at deuce—universal in padel. According to him, it’s a means of making games more intense and maintaining spectator interest. Navarro described it as “brutal, fast, and a rule fans can rally around,” emphasizing how it has the ability to make every game tense.
Ball and court variations
The introduction of fast, slow, and intermediate courts and balls is Navarro’s third suggestion. This would make it harder for players to adjust to various circumstances, lessen surface bias, and provide more unexpected results. By rewarding individuals who can perform in a variety of settings, the sport will become even more competitive.
Fans’ responses
Debate among padel fans has been triggered by the suggestions. One fan said, “Definitely 1 and 3.” Golden point: The excitement of repeatedly witnessing a deuce advantage is fantastic. If you didn’t clinch it early, you’ll have to work hard to get that game. Another admirer disagreed, stating, “Excellent efforts! Golden Point is amazing! We want suspense, courage & excitement!”
A possible transformation of padel
If adopted, Navarro’s proposals could reshape professional padel by easing player schedules, introducing high-intensity gameplay, and rewarding adaptability. The changes would make the sport faster, more competitive, and more entertaining, ensuring fans remain captivated at every level of play.