Lucía Sainz is one of those players who always add value. Class, experience, tactical insight, and immense reliability from the drive explain why she was world number 1 and why she remains an absolute reference in women’s padel.
Who She Is
Born in Barcelona on October 5, 1984, Lucía Sainz Pelegri is a professional right-handed padel player who usually competes in the drive position. Before establishing herself at the elite level of the 20×10, she also had a career in tennis, a phase that left its mark on her playing style: clean technique, order on the court, and a great ability to construct each point with purpose.
Over the years, Lucía has earned the respect of the circuit for her consistency, her competitive mindset, and her ability to stay at the highest level season after season. Her major breakthrough came in 2020, when she reached the number 1 spot in the World Padel Tour ranking alongside Gemma Triay, delivering a spectacular season. As of April 2025, she continues to compete among the best and holds the 10th position in the FIP ranking, forming a highly experienced pair with Patty Llaguno.
Playing Style
Talking about Lucía Sainz is talking about control, tactical intelligence, and solidity. From the drive, she interprets very well what each point requires and stands out for almost always making the right decisions. She doesn’t need explosive padel to make a difference: her strength lies in organizing the game, changing heights and rhythms, and finding spaces with great insight.
One of her most recognizable shots is the bandeja, very precise, deep, and intentional, ideal for unsettling the opponent and maintaining the net. In defense, she excels in her positioning, her reading of trajectories, and her ability to commit very few unforced errors. In volleys, she consistently conveys security, and although her game is not based on power, she is decisive due to her ability to construct, prepare the point, and provide balance to the pair.
In short, Lucía is a player who elevates the level of the match through tactical management, patience, and competitive experience. A classic, reliable drive profile that is very challenging for any opponent when she gets into rhythm.
Achievements
- Was world number 1 in 2020 alongside Gemma Triay.
- Won 6 World Padel Tour titles in 2020, in one of the best seasons of her career.
- Has won tournaments and reached finals with top-level partners like Marta Marrero, Gemma Triay, or Patty Llaguno.
- Was crowned champion of the WPT Vigo Open 2023 with Patty Llaguno.
- Has been Champion of Spain.
- Has several titles as World Champion and European Champion with the Spanish National Team.
- Remains a highly competitive player in Premier Padel thanks to her experience, quality, and consistency.