Paula Josemaría Reveals Her Ultimate Goal: World Championship or World Number One?

Paula Josemaría has reached the pinnacle of professional padel, holding the world number one ranking. But in an exclusive interview from Doha during the 2026 World Championship, the Spanish star revealed what truly matters most to her: winning the world title or maintaining her top ranking.

Speaking with Padel Addict, Josemaría opened up about the unique dynamic of representing Spain alongside players who have been her rivals throughout the season on the professional circuit. The conversation touched on team cohesion, personal relationships, and the pressure of competing for her country on the international stage.

From Rivals to Teammates

One of the most fascinating aspects of international padel competitions is how players transition from fierce competitors to teammates. For Paula Josemaría and Ari Sánchez, this dynamic carries special weight—they have been competing against each other for five years on the padel tour.

Josemaría discussed how the Spanish national team manages this delicate balance, transforming individual rivalries into collective strength. The interview reveals how top-ranked players navigate the psychological shift from circuit play, where they battle for rankings points, to team play, where they must support one another.

The conversation also touched on team traditions, including how veteran players initiate younger teammates—a common bonding ritual within national squads that helps build camaraderie despite the competitive nature of professional padel.

The Ultimate Prize: World Championship Glory

When asked the pivotal question—would you rather win the World Championship or finish the season as number one?—Josemaría's answer provides insight into her priorities as an athlete. While maintaining the world ranking is a year-round achievement requiring consistency across the entire circuit, winning the World Championship represents a singular moment of glory on padel's biggest stage.

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This question encapsulates the tension every elite padel player faces: the grind of maintaining ranking points versus the prestige and legacy of winning a world title. For Josemaría, competing in Doha with the Spanish national team adds another layer to this decision, as individual achievement and national representation become intertwined.

Pressure and Perspective

Representing Spain at the World Championship carries immense responsibility. Josemaría opened up about managing the pressure of being her country's top-ranked player while balancing relationships with teammates who are also her regular opponents.

The exclusive interview showcases the mental and emotional dimensions of professional padel that often go unseen. Beyond the powerful smashes and precise chiquitas, elite players must navigate complex interpersonal dynamics while maintaining focus on their objectives—both individual and collective.