Top Padel Duo Gutierrez and Alfonso Announce Split

The pair's early-season struggles led to the decision to go their separate ways.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:32pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Padel stars Gonza Alfonso and Sanyo Gutierrez have announced they are ending their partnership, marking the first major split of the 2026 professional padel season. The duo cited difficulties finding rhythm and success on the court, including early round losses in Riyadh and Gijon, as the reasons behind their decision to part ways. However, they plan to compete together one final time in Cancun and Miami before each seeking new partners, with Gutierrez reportedly teaming up with Victor Ruiz.

Why it matters

The breakup of one of padel's top teams could spark a domino effect of other partnerships reconsidering their strategies early in the season. Padel is a rapidly growing sport, and player pairings are crucial to success, so this split highlights the challenges even elite duos can face in maintaining a productive long-term relationship.

The details

In an open social media post, Alfonso explained the rationale behind the split, saying 'We had a hard time realizing that it was best to go in different directions after Riyadh and Gijon. We put a lot of effort into strengthening the alliance, but we were unsuccessful.' Gutierrez acknowledged the pair was 'very far from the level being played and from what we need to compete' after their early exit in Gijon. Despite the breakup, the two will compete together one final time in Cancun and Miami before finding new partners, with Gutierrez reportedly joining forces with Victor Ruiz.

  • The split was announced on March 13, 2026.
  • Gutierrez and Alfonso lost in the Round of 16 in Gijon on March 4, 2026.
  • The pair had a 3-3 record together so far in the 2026 season.

The players

Gonza Alfonso

A professional padel player who was previously partnered with Sanyo Gutierrez.

Sanyo Gutierrez

A professional padel player who was previously partnered with Gonza Alfonso and is now reportedly teaming up with Victor Ruiz.

Victor Ruiz

A professional padel player who is ranked No. 34 in the world and is reportedly going to partner with Sanyo Gutierrez.

Rama Valenzuela

A professional padel player who, along with partner Javi Valdes, defeated Gutierrez and Alfonso in the first round in Riyadh.

Javi Valdes

A professional padel player who, along with partner Rama Valenzuela, defeated Gutierrez and Alfonso in the first round in Riyadh.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had a hard time realizing that it was best to go in different directions after Riyadh and Gijon. We put a lot of effort into strengthening the alliance, but we were unsuccessful.”

— Gonza Alfonso

“With how beautiful Gijon is and how little we lasted... not even time for a cachopo.”

— Sanyo Gutierrez

“We are very far from the level being played and from what we need to compete.”

— Sanyo Gutierrez

“I am confident that this choice will allow us to have fun and smile once more. Let's try one last time.”

— Gonza Alfonso

What’s next

Gutierrez and Alfonso will compete together one final time in Cancun and Miami before each finding new partners, with Gutierrez reportedly teaming up with Victor Ruiz.

The takeaway

The breakup of one of padel's top teams highlights the challenges even elite duos can face in maintaining a productive long-term partnership, and could spark a domino effect of other players reconsidering their strategies early in the season as the sport continues to grow in popularity.