Paquito Navarro and Fede Chingotto’s partnership comes to an end after a standout season
The 2023 season marked the end of one of the most beloved partnerships on the professional padel circuit: Paquito Navarro and Fede Chingotto. After clinching the prestigious Master Final on the World Padel Tour, the duo announced they would not continue together for the upcoming Premier Padel 2024 season. Fans have celebrated their chemistry, resilience, and entertaining style, making their split a significant moment in the sport.
Before moving on to new partners, both players took the opportunity to reflect on their year together, providing a detailed self-assessment of their individual and collective performances. The4Set channel captured this unique moment, as the pair rated their season across a range of technical and mental attributes, offering rare insight into the mindset of elite padel professionals.
Detailed player ratings for the 2023 season: Chingotto and Navarro evaluate their skills
In a playful yet honest exchange, Chingotto and Navarro rated themselves on key aspects of their game, reminiscent of the iconic FIFA player cards. The ratings, discussed and agreed upon by both, covered volleys, bandejas, defense, attack, and more. The4Set ensured the process was transparent, with both players justifying their scores and occasionally negotiating for a fairer reflection of their strengths and weaknesses.
Below are the key ratings as agreed by the players for the 2023 season:
- Chingotto:
- Forehand & backhand volley: 95
- Bandeja/víbora: 88
- Lob: 70
- Defense: 99
- Attack: 81
- Magic (creativity): 68
- Physical: 92
- Overall season rating: 90
- Navarro:
- Forehand & backhand volley: 94
- Bandeja/víbora: 99
- Lob: 86
- Smash: 87
- Defense: 91
- Attack: 94
- Magic (creativity): 90
- Physical: 70
- Overall season rating: 90
These ratings highlight the duo’s complementary strengths: Chingotto’s defensive prowess and stamina, and Navarro’s attacking flair and creativity. Both players rated their overall season as a 90, reflecting a high level of satisfaction but also acknowledging areas for improvement.
Key strengths and areas for improvement identified by the players
The assessment process revealed several key insights into each player’s game. Chingotto was unanimously praised for his defense, earning a near-perfect 99. His physical condition was also rated highly, underlining his reputation as one of the sport’s hardest workers. However, both agreed that his lob and attacking play could be further developed, with scores of 70 and 81 respectively.
Navarro, on the other hand, received top marks for his bandeja/víbora (99) and attack (94), reflecting his aggressive style and ability to finish points. His creativity and “magic” on court also stood out, with a score of 90. Yet, he was self-critical about his physical condition, rating it at 70, and acknowledged that his lob, while effective, was not his strongest weapon.
The players’ willingness to openly discuss their weaknesses—such as Navarro’s physicality and Chingotto’s attacking shots—demonstrates a professional approach to self-improvement and a healthy team dynamic.
Comparisons with other top pairs and the competitive landscape
During their discussion, both players referenced other elite pairs, such as Juan Lebrón and Alejandro Galán, as well as Fernando Belasteguín and Martín Di Nenno, when evaluating their own skills. They acknowledged that while their ratings were high, the very best in the world—especially in specific skills like the lob—still set the benchmark.
This context highlights the competitive intensity at the top of professional padel, where even small differences in skill or physical preparation can separate the top four pairs from the number one spot. Both Chingotto and Navarro expressed respect for their peers and recognized the need to keep evolving to remain competitive.
Reflections on partnership dynamics and future directions
The4Set’s feature captured the bittersweet nature of the split. Both players expressed gratitude for their time together and the progress they made as a team. Navarro, in particular, credited coach Gabi Reca and Chingotto for helping him improve his volley, describing a clear “before and after” in his game thanks to their influence.
As they prepare to join new partners for the 2024 Premier Padel season, both players leave with valuable lessons and a mutual respect that was evident throughout their self-assessment. Their honest ratings and open dialogue provide fans with a unique window into the mindset of two of the sport’s top professionals at a pivotal moment in their careers.
What fans can expect from Chingotto and Navarro in 2024
With both players set to embark on new partnerships, the padel world will be watching closely to see how their games evolve. Their self-awareness and commitment to improvement suggest that both Chingotto and Navarro will remain key figures on the tour. The4Set’s in-depth look at their 2023 season not only celebrates their achievements but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting new chapter for both athletes.
