Sara Ruiz Soto: The Rising Star of Professional Padel – Career, Achievements & Future

From Santander to the global padel stage, Sara Ruiz Soto’s tactical brilliance, resilience, and steady rise make her one of Spain’s most promising players in the sport.

Introduction:

A Determined Competitor

Sara Ruiz Soto, born on August 6, 1995, in Santander, Spain, has steadily carved her name into the competitive world of professional padel. Standing at 1.60 meters and playing right-handed, she has developed a reputation for her intelligent shot placement, agility, and adaptability on the court.

Though she has yet to claim a Premier Padel or World Padel Tour title, her consistent performances, recent FIP Gold victory, and top-30 ranking prove she is a rising force in the sport.

This profile explores her early life, career milestones, playing style, key victories, and future ambitions as she continues her ascent in professional padel.

Early Life & Introduction to Padel

Born and raised in Santander, Spain, Sara grew up in a sports-loving family that encouraged her athletic pursuits.
Discovered padel at a young age, drawn to its fast-paced, tactical nature.
Trained at local clubs, where coaches recognized her natural reflexes and strategic mind.
Balanced academics and sports, earning a degree in Exact Mathematics and a Master’s in Teacher Training—skills that later influenced her analytical approach to the game.
Coached by Martín D Antonio and Gaby Reca, who helped refine her all-court playing style.

Professional Career: Steady Climb to the Top

Early Career (2010s – Early 2020s)

Debuted in lower-tier tournaments, gradually gaining experience.
Developed a versatile game, blending defensive stability with attacking precision.
Struggled initially but showed resilience, improving with each season.

Breakthrough & Current Status (2024–2025)

Career-high ranking: #29 (currently #30 as of 2025).
42 matches played (14 wins, 28 losses) – 33.3% win rate.
First major title: FIP Gold Paredes, Portugal (Feb 2025) – Came from behind to win in a thrilling final.
APT Padel Tour Canarias Open champion—proved her ability to compete against top pairs.
Premier Padel Major Paris quarterfinalist (2024) – Pushed elite opponents in a hard-fought match.

Playing Style & Strengths

Tactical Intelligence – Uses her mathematical mindset to anticipate opponents’ moves.
Adaptability – Excels in both offensive and defensive roles, adjusting mid-match.
Precision Over Power – Relies on well-placed volleys, lobs, and angled shots rather than brute force.
Agility & Reflexes – Quick footwork helps her dominate fast exchanges at the net.
Mental Toughness – Known for staying composed in high-pressure moments.

Key Achievements & Career Highlights

FIP Gold Paredes, Portugal (2025) – First major title (partnered with Giorgia Marchetti).
APT Padel Tour Canarias Open Champion – Strong performance with Alicia Blanco.
Premier Padel Major Paris quarterfinals (2024) – Competed fiercely against top seeds.
Career-best ranking: #29 – Proof of her upward trajectory.

Statistics at a Glance (2025)

Category	Stat
Matches Played	42
Wins	14
Losses	28
Win Percentage	33.3%
Best Ranking	#29
Current Ranking	#30
Longest Win Streak	3 matches
Height	1.60m
Playing Hand	Right

Iconic Performances

1. FIP Gold Paredes Final (Feb 2025)

Opponents: Lucía Martínez Gómez & Julieta Bidahorria.
Result: Won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 after a dramatic comeback.
Key Moment: Adjusted strategy in the second set, increased aggression on key points.

2. APT Padel Tour Canarias Open Victory

Dominant performance with Alicia Blanco.
Outmaneuvered opponents with superior court positioning.

3. Premier Padel Major Paris (2024)

Pushed Salazar/Castelló in a 6-1, 6-4 loss but showed great resilience.

Legacy & Influence

Inspires young players with her journey from Santander to pro circuits.
Proves that intelligence and technique can rival power-based playstyles.
Helps grow padel’s popularity through competitive performances.
Potential future coach/mentor given her academic background in teaching.

Future Prospects

Short-term goal: Break into the top 20 rankings.
Target: Win a Premier Padel or World Padel Tour title.
Long-term: Possible transition into coaching or sports education.

Final Thought

Sara Ruiz Soto may not yet be a household name in padel, but her steady rise, tactical mastery, and recent breakthrough wins suggest her best is yet to come. With her analytical mind and relentless work ethic, she is poised to leave a lasting mark on the sport.