Brittany Dubins’ rapid rise in the world padel rankings
The channel’s interview with Brittany Dubins offers a unique look at her extraordinary ascent in professional padel. In less than a year, Dubins has surged from a newcomer to a player ranked 143rd in the world, accumulating 65 ranking points since August. She began her journey while still working a traditional job, but made the bold decision to pursue padel full-time. This leap paid off, as she quickly started earning points through FIP tournaments and made her debut in Premier Padel events.
Her rapid progress is even more impressive given the competitive landscape. Dubins’ goal is clear: break into the top 100 in the world rankings. She acknowledges that this journey is ongoing, but her trajectory suggests she’s on the right path.
Competing for the San Diego Stingrays and adapting to new teams
Although originally from Miami and hoping to represent her hometown, Dubins now plays for the San Diego Stingrays in the PPL. She describes the transition as bittersweet, but emphasizes her excitement about being part of a strong West Coast team. Her current partner is Lucía Sainz, a former world number one and currently ranked 14th. Dubins praises Sainz’s strategic acumen and ability to both calm and motivate her during high-pressure matches.
The Stingrays’ roster also includes renowned players like Miguel Lamperti and Maxi Sánchez, making it one of the most formidable teams in the league. Dubins highlights the supportive team culture, mentioning private lessons and tactical advice from her teammates as key factors in her development.
Experiences in international tournaments and facing elite opponents
Dubins’ first taste of Premier Padel came at the Acapulco event, where she and her partner faced the number two seeds in qualifying. Despite a tough loss in three sets under challenging conditions, she used the experience to prepare for her next tournament in Venezuela. There, she advanced through qualifying and played her first main draw match, only to be forced to retire due to her partner’s illness while leading in the second set.
Throughout the season, Dubins has competed against top-tier opponents, including matches against teams featuring Ari Sánchez and Martita Ortega. She notes the stark difference in experience and consistency at the highest level, particularly in terms of minimizing unforced errors and executing advanced shots. The opportunity to play against and learn from these elite players has been invaluable for her growth.
The financial realities of a professional padel career
One of the most candid parts of the interview centers on the financial challenges of playing padel professionally. Dubins details the significant expenses involved in traveling to tournaments across Europe and South America, including flights, accommodation, and food. Prize money varies by event:
- FIP tournament winner: €600–€800 per player
- Premier Padel first-round loss: ~€600 per player
- Premier Padel winner: Up to €11,000 per player (depending on event category)
She explains that with her current ranking and points, qualifying for Premier events is highly competitive. The combined points of a team must typically reach 800 to enter qualifying, making partner selection a strategic process. Dubins often connects with potential partners via Instagram, seeking the right combination of ranking points and on-court chemistry.
Building a personal brand through social media and sponsorships
Dubins has embraced social media as a vital part of her career, producing engaging reels and collaborating on podcasts. She credits her social media manager, Juano, for creative ideas and editing, which have helped her grow her following and attract sponsors. This online presence has been instrumental in securing deals, most notably with Original Penguin, a brand traditionally associated with tennis and golf that is now entering the padel market. The sponsorship provides her with apparel and some financial support, easing the burden of travel and tournament expenses.
Her approach to content creation is both strategic and personal, often involving family members and offering a behind-the-scenes look at her life as a professional athlete. This visibility not only raises her profile but also helps promote the sport in the United States.
Choosing the right padel racket and equipment preferences
Dubins remains loyal to her Nox ML10 Pro Cup Silver racket, a model she describes as offering an ideal balance of power and control. She prefers not to change rackets frequently, allowing her primary racket to soften with use over at least six months. While she has tested other models, she consistently returns to her Nox, citing its comfort and performance as unmatched for her style of play.
Her gear choices are complemented by her partnership with Nox, which continues into the current season. The synergy between her equipment and apparel sponsors ensures she’s well-prepared on court and visually aligned with her brand off it.
Insights on partnership dynamics and professional growth
At her current stage, Dubins does not have a permanent partner, instead opting to “date around” in search of the best fit for each tournament. She values partners who play the drive side, as she prefers the backhand, and looks for complementary personalities—ideally someone who matches her energy and competitive spirit. She acknowledges that at higher levels, partnerships become more stable, with top-ranked players rarely switching partners outside the top 30.
Dubins views each partnership as a learning opportunity, adapting her game to support her teammates and gain new perspectives. This flexibility has been crucial in her rapid development and ability to compete at increasingly higher levels.
Looking ahead: goals and upcoming tournaments
With her sights set on breaking into the top 100, Dubins plans to continue competing in FIP and Premier events, with potential appearances at USPA tournaments in New York and further international fixtures. She remains focused on improving her game, gaining experience against elite opponents, and building her brand both on and off the court.
Her journey exemplifies the dedication, adaptability, and resilience required to succeed in professional padel, offering inspiration and practical insights for aspiring players navigating the evolving landscape of the sport.
