Padel Player of the Week
Javier Garrido Gómez "The Caliph"
This week, we highlight Javier Garrido Gómez from Córdoba, Spain. Born on August 1, 2000, this 1.85m player is celebrated for his powerful backhand smashes and tactical prowess. Ranked 10th in the Premier Padel standings and currently teamed with Alex Ruiz, Javi captivates audiences with his agility and precision. His dominance on the right-hand side of the court perfectly represents the role of an aggressive backhand and a powerful forehand finisher that has changed the way to play Padel for some years now.
Javi began playing padel at the age of seven but initially wasn’t enthusiastic about it, often skipping training to play football. Over time, he developed a deep passion for padel, which propelled him to become a prominent figure in the Spanish padel scene. His early dedication transformed him into a standout player known for his skill and determination.
In his junior years, Javi excelled in the regional rankings of Andalusia, alongside his partner Jesús Moya, at just 14 years old. His exceptional talent caught the attention of brands, leading Star Vie to invest significantly in him. By 2015, at the age of 15, he was already competing in the preliminary rounds of World Padel Tour tournaments, setting the stage for a promising career.
He is renowned for his powerful backhand smashes and skillful play close to the net. His gameplay is distinguished by his aggressive approach and precise shot-making, which often turn the tide of matches. Javi’s backhand smashes are a key weapon, allowing him to dominate rallies and secure crucial points. His agility and strategic positioning at the net enable him to capitalize on opponents' mistakes and dictate the pace of the game, making him a dynamic and influential player.
TIMELINE OF PROFESSIONAL CAREER
2017-2018: Javier Garrido made a notable debut on the padel scene, dominating junior categories with two world titles and four Spanish championships. He broke into the World Padel Tour’s final draw, ending 2017 ranked 62nd. In 2018, he moved to Madrid on a scholarship and, partnering with Tito Allemandi and Martín Di Nenno, reached his first WPT semifinals at the Alicante Open in 2019.
2019-2020: Javi continued his ascent by partnering with Lucas Campagnolo in 2020, reaching the final of the Miami Open and winning a Challenger title in Albacete. He also spent the year partnering with Fede Chingotto after the breakup of top pairs, showcasing his versatility and skill.
2021-2022: Javi excelled in 2021, winning two Challenger titles with Lucho Capra and Mike Yanguas and claiming the Spanish Championship. He continued to impress in 2022, partnering with Lucas Campagnolo and reaching the final of the Miami Open. He also secured another Challenger title and finished the season with Fede Chingotto.
2023-2024: Despite playing with multiple partners in 2023, including Fede Chingotto, Jon Sanz, and Momo González, Javi had his best season yet, consistently reaching quarterfinals and semifinals. In 2024, he teamed up with Mike Yanguas, aiming to secure finals appearances and titles with their dynamic aerial play. As of today, he is partnered with Alex Ruiz, with the delight of both their fans.
Javier Garrido has made significant strides in the Padel world, reaching notable milestones in his career. Although he has not yet secured a World Padel Tour (WPT) title, Javi has consistently performed well, often coming close to finals and victories. His strong showings in various tournaments have earned him valuable points, contributing to his rise to a top 10 ranking. His achievements, including reaching semifinals and competing at a high level, underscore his skill and potential for future successes in the sport.
SPONSORSHIP
Javi Garrido is excited to announce his partnership with Wilson for the 2024 season, marking a new chapter in his career. As part of this collaboration, Javi will compete using the Wilson Blade Pro V2 racket, wear the latest Wilson sportswear, and sport the Hurakn Pro padel shoes. This sponsorship aligns with his aggressive playing style and complements his on-court performance.
Javi’s move to Wilson follows a successful tenure with Star Vie, where he made significant strides in his career. His new partnership with Wilson reflects his ongoing commitment to enhancing his game and reaching new heights in the padel world.
Check out these 2 powerful smashes by the man himself!
- Follow @javigarrido10 on Instagram