Álex Ruiz is one of the most recognizable players in professional padel: left-handed, explosive, charismatic, and competitive. The player from Málaga, known as “Captain America”, has established himself for years among the prominent names on the circuit thanks to his hitting power, intensity, and a personality that leaves a mark both on and off the court.
Who he is
Born in Málaga on June 12, 1994, Alejandro Ruiz Granados, known in sports as Álex Ruiz, is one of the most outstanding Spanish players of his generation. He is 1.78 meters tall, left-handed, and usually develops his game from the drive, a position from which he maximizes his ability to dominate the center and make a difference in finishing. From his early years in competition, he made it clear that he was destined to go far, achieving a brilliant trajectory in lower categories with titles as world champion in under-16 and under-18.
His leap to professionalism confirmed that projection. Over the seasons, he became a regular player in final draws, decisive rounds, and top-level pairs both in the former World Padel Tour and later in Premier Padel. Throughout his career, he has shared the court with high-level partners, experiencing highly competitive stages and achieving prestigious results in some of the most important tournaments on the calendar.
One of the traits that most define his figure is his story of personal overcoming. Álex Ruiz has lived with type 1 diabetes since he was 10 years old, a circumstance that has never prevented him from competing at the world elite level. His career represents an example of discipline, control, and mental strength, something that has further reinforced his image as an admired athlete by fans and fellow players. In April 2025, he appears in the 17th position of the FIP ranking, and during the 2025 season, he partners with the Argentine Alex Chozas, in a union marked by ambition and competitive aggressiveness.
Beyond the results, Álex Ruiz is a beloved figure within Spanish padel for his positive attitude, constant energy, and ability to lead matches emotionally. He is one of those players who always give the impression of being able to change a match through character, defense, and hitting power.
Playing style
Álex Ruiz’s game is defined by a clearly offensive, electric, and aggressive profile. His condition as a left-handed player gives him a tactical advantage, especially when he manages to dominate the center of the court and speed up exchanges with his cross shot. He is a player who feels very comfortable near the net and can finish points through power, angle, or pure offensive persistence.
His great hallmark is the smash. Álex possesses a very damaging shot, with ease to hit it out of the court and also to execute smashes that return to his side, a very valuable resource in moments of maximum pressure. He adds to this an aggressive vibora, deep and with a lot of intention, capable of generating uncomfortable balls and opening the door to finishing in the next action. When he finds rhythm, he can string together several winning points in a very short time.
From the drive, less common in left-handed players, he stands out for his ability to accelerate the ball, close spaces, and punish opponent transitions. He has good reading to occupy the middle, strong presence at the net, and a way of competing that constantly pushes his partner. Although his profile is predominantly offensive, he also offers a very solid version in defense: he is a player with quick legs, committed to every point, and with an emotional intensity that usually elevates the level of the match.
Tactically, he performs better in dynamic matches, with exchanges of initiative and constant presence in offensive positions. When he manages to impose that context, he becomes an especially dangerous opponent due to his ability to break the balance with a single stroke. That mix of energy, leadership, and ambition perfectly explains the nickname “Captain America”, a label that fits his competitive character and his way of energizing the crowd.
Achievements
- World champion in under-16 and under-18, confirming an elite projection from a very young age.
- Winner of Challenger tournaments of the World Padel Tour, with titles in Córdoba 2015 and Lisbon 2016 alongside Matías Marina.
- Conquered top-level titles in the professional circuit, including Open and Master events of the WPT.
- Had one of his best seasons in 2021 with Franco Stupaczuk, with victories in Cagliari and Mexico, as well as several finals, ending the year as the world’s 4th-ranked pair.
- Reached notable finals with Momo González in Marbella and Madrid 2022, establishing themselves as one of the most competitive pairs on the circuit.
- Has been international with the Spanish National Team, reinforcing his prominence within Spanish padel.
- Has remained for years among the most dangerous players on the circuit, with regular presence in final rounds of Premier Padel.
- In April 2025, he holds the 17th position in the FIP ranking, maintaining his status in the world elite.