Paula Josemaria has been one of the most consistent forces in women’s padel for the better part of a decade. After years as a perennial top-five player, she reached the summit of the rankings alongside Ari Sanchez in 2025 and has shown no signs of relinquishing that position heading deeper into 2026.
Josemaria grew up in Spain surrounded by padel culture. She started competing on the women’s circuit in her early twenties and quickly established herself as a reliable, high-level performer. Her early partnerships on the World Padel Tour demonstrated a maturity and consistency that belied her age.
Career highlights and timeline
Josemaria’s career arc took a significant turn when she began partnering with Delfina Brea. The pair became a top-three fixture, winning multiple titles and establishing themselves as serious contenders for the No. 1 spot. Their combination of Josemaria’s left-side steadiness and Brea’s right-side creativity made them formidable.
The next leap came when Josemaria paired with Ari Sanchez around 2023. This partnership quickly proved to be the right move. By 2024 they were winning the biggest events on tour, and in 2025 they captured the world No. 1 ranking — a first for Josemaria. Their run of form through 2025 and into 2026 has been remarkably dominant.
Playing style
Shot
Strength
Serve
One of the best in women’s padel
Forehand
Powerful, used to dictate tempo
Backhand volley
Controlled and consistent
Net game
Excellent timing and positioning
Mental toughness
Thrives in high-pressure moments
Josemaria is a balanced player who combines power with tactical awareness. Her serve is a genuine weapon, and her ability to control the pace of rallies from the left side gives Sanchez the freedom to attack from the right. Together they form one of the most complete pairs in women’s padel history.
Nsambya – CC CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Rivalries and partnerships
The Josemaria-Sanchez pair’s primary rivals are the remaining top combinations on the women’s tour, including pairings involving Delfina Brea and Bea Gonzalez. Josemaria also carries history from her Brea partnership years, making any matchup with her former partner extra compelling.
Gear and sponsorships
Josemaria is sponsored by Bullpadel, using their rackets and apparel on court. Her endorsement portfolio reflects her standing as one of the sport’s top athletes and a recognizable figure in the growing global padel scene.
What’s next for Paula Josemaria?
The 2026 season is about consolidation. Josemaria and Sanchez are targeting the remaining Premier Padel Majors and aim to finish the year as the undisputed top pair. With their current form, that objective looks well within reach.
Paula Josemaria reached the world No. 1 ranking in women’s padel in 2025 alongside Ari Sanchez, a position they have maintained into 2026 with consistent results.
Who has Paula Josemaria played padel with?
Paula Josemaria’s key partnerships include Delfina Brea (earlier career) and Ari Sanchez (2023-present), with the Sanchez partnership being her most successful to date.
How many titles has Paula Josemaria won?
Paula Josemaria has won over 20 professional padel titles as of 2026, including multiple Premier Padel events with Ari Sanchez.
What is Paula Josemaria’s playing style?
Paula Josemaria plays on the left side with a blend of power and consistency, known for her strong serve and ability to control the pace of rallies.
Racquet sports player and writer covering pickleball, padel, tennis, badminton, and squash. Former collegiate tennis player turned recreational pickleball enthusiast. Jackson writes beginner-friendly guides to help new players get on court faster.
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