Key takeaways
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Navarro and Di Nenno lost in the round of 16 at the Pretoria Premier Padel P1, falling 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 to Álex Ruiz and Javi García Mora.
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The decisive moment came when Navarro was penalized for touching the net, confirmed by VAR, sparking heated protests.
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Ruiz and García reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 531 days, marking a major breakthrough.
A shock elimination in Pretoria
The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 continues to deliver surprises. Playing at an altitude of 1,338 meters—the highest in the circuit’s history—the fast court conditions have unsettled many top seeds. This time, world number 5 pair Paquito Navarro and Martín Di Nenno were eliminated in the round of 16, confirming that rankings matter little in South Africa.
Ruiz and García’s epic comeback
Álex Ruiz and Javi García Mora staged a remarkable fightback, overturning a first-set loss to win 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 after more than two hours of relentless play. For Ruiz, nicknamed “Captain America,” the victory was especially significant as it marked his first quarterfinal appearance in 531 days.
Controversy at the net
The match turned on a disputed call in the third set. With the score at 15-30 and 2-3, Navarro smashed a winner, only for the umpire to rule he had touched the net. “Sabía que te ibas a equivocar,” Navarro told the referee, but VAR confirmed the decision. Ruiz and García capitalized immediately, breaking serve and securing momentum they never relinquished.
Navarro’s frustration with conditions
Navarro also voiced his displeasure with the rapid playing environment in Pretoria. During a changeover he remarked, “No existe un globo, no existe un peloteo. Es horrible este pádel,” highlighting how altitude and speed made rallies nearly impossible.
Other results in Pretoria
Elsewhere, Sanyo Gutiérrez and Juanlu Esbrí impressed in their debut as a pair, defeating Montiel-Abbate 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals. Tello-Arce overcame Momo-Campagnolo 6-4, 6-3, Arroyo-Jiménez beat Castaño-Goenaga 6-2, 6-4, and Leal-Guerrero mounted a comeback against Tolito Aguirre-Pablo García, winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
Di Nenno and Navarro in Pretoria, ranking, and results
LWWLWLWWWL Di Nenno and Navarro have achieved a win-loss 13-6 record together in 2026. The last match they played was on the 30th of July surrendered to Garcia (world no.21) and Ruiz (world no.22) 7-6(3) 4-6 3-6 in the round of 8.
Di Nenno and Gonzalez in Buenos Aires, ranking, and results
LWLWLWLWWW Di Nenno and Gonzalez have achieved a win-loss 12-8 record together in 2026. The last match they played was on the 14th of May surrendered to Garcia (world no.21) and Jimenez (world no.33) 6-4 6-4 in the round of 8.
