Paquito and Lebron with a scare: it's up to Rome to revive them

When Paquito Navarro is on the court, every match is an experience. For better or for worse. He knows how to be a character, jumping along with the 5,000 spectators at the Grandstand like in 2022 (“the best memory of my life in padel,” he said), but also when his signature “Freed from Desire” blaring at full volume doesn't move him at all. The reason? A hard-fought 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory over the Italian-Argentinian Denis Perino and Pablo Garcia wasn't the way he wanted to start his BNL Italy Major, at that Foro Italico where he reached two finals. Doing so this time would mean even more, as it would finally kickstart a partnership with Juan Lebron that has yet to take off. But to reach the final again, much more will be needed.

Certainly, the two Spaniards can't afford to let slip a match they had in hand at 6-3, 4-2, or to give confidence to two opponents who would have been satisfied with just a good showing, turning an apparent routine duel into yet another chapter of a familiar story. Navarro and Lebron don't spark, they don't seem to enjoy themselves (which is necessary in padel), and they end up winning more because of their name than their merits on the court, against the Perino/Garcia duo who leave with heads held high but morale low, for coming just a couple of points short at 5-4 – and 15-30 on return – in the third set.

In the post-match interview, Navarro was optimistic (“a pleasure to be in Rome, happy to play at least one more day”), while Lebron was less so. “We’re not playing as we’d like to,” said the Lobo, “and we’re not getting the results we aim for. I hope our level improves match after match.” Next up is Thursday against the number 10 pair Ruiz/Bergamini. And with the hope that a tournament loved by both can help them find the right path.