The question comes up regularly in discussions surrounding French tournaments: How can we explain the presence of so-called “hybrid” pairs?, composed of a very experienced player paired with a partner of a significantly lower level?
The subject resurfaced after the Cyril Hanouna and Teo Zapata suffered a clear but logical defeat in the round of 16 of the P1000. PadelBreak Bondues, raising many questions among observers and practitioners.

A look back at a phenomenon that is far from marginal in padel, both in France and internationally.

A common situation in amateur tournaments

A hybrid pair is not necessarily the norm, but it is very common, particularly in high-level competitions P250 and P500, and increasingly visible also in P1000.

It is therefore common to see:

  • of the padel coaches evolving alongside their students,
  • former top French players to partner occasionally with up-and-coming players,
  • or even experienced competitors playing without ranking stakes, for pleasure or to accompany a partner.

Dance what contexts, No remuneration is automaticIn the vast majority of cases, it is simply a friendly or sporting association, without financial compensation.

The case of Cyril Hanouna, often cited as an example

The participation of Cyril Hanouna, an amateur player but a well-known media personality, often becomes the focus of discussions.
The presenter, well-known to the general public for his television programs, has already participated in tournaments with renowned players, such as Jerome Inzerillo, former member of the French national team, or more recently Teo Zapata, a player in the world's top 50, during the P1000 in Bondues.

These associations naturally attract attention, but they are part of a pattern already widely observed in French padel.

It should also be noted that the Hybrid pairs also have positive aspects, especially for their opponents. They sometimes offer the rare opportunity to to compete against very high-level players, which the majority of practitioners would otherwise never have the opportunity to face in official competition.

The example of Teo Zapata, player of world top 50This is revealing. Usually followed remotely through international competitions and media coverage of the circuit, the Spaniard appeared on the tracks of a P1000 at PadelBondues BreakAn unusual situation, but one that constitutes a a real sporting opportunity For the players present, despite an obvious imbalance, facing this type of opponent allows them to test themselves, measure the difference in skill level, and draw concrete lessons, even when the balance of power remains clearly unfavorable.

How much does it actually cost?

The issue of remuneration remains sensitive, because There is no fixed ruleSeveral scenarios coexist:

  • Free association, out of friendship, out of a desire to play without pressure or for the pleasure of competition.
  • Visibility exchange, particularly when one of the players benefits from significant media or digital exposure.
  • Direct remuneration, when the objective is competitive.

According to testimonies gathered from within the community, The amounts can vary on average between 400 and 800 euros, but they depend heavily on:

  • of the actual skill level of the player in question,
  • of its ranking,
  • of the type of tournament,
  • and the context of the association.

The former tennis player Jules Mary, now involved in padel, had also mentioned this principle on the microphone of Padel Magazineexplaining that he was aware of these tacit exchanges, while emphasizing that his level remained superior to that of the majority of recreational players.

This practice is also present among professionals.

Contrary to popular belief, Hybrid pairs also exist at the highest level, even if the subject often remains discreet.

The former French number one Jérémy Scatena He admitted it without hesitation:

"In the professional world, it's not something that's often discussed, but of course paid partnerships exist. Sometimes you team up with a higher-ranked player to save time, avoid certain seeded players, accumulate points faster, or because you feel you're playing above your ranking. The reasons are numerous."

He also points out that this type of setup can be observed:

  • on the FIP Tour,
  • about qualifications of World Padel Tour (former professional circuit),
  • and at former top-level playerswho, at the end of their careers, team up with young, up-and-coming players.

A phenomenon that is acknowledged, but rarely displayed

If this practice is widely spreadIt often remains underreported, especially among professionals, where discretion remains the rule.
However, it is fully part of the modern padel ecosystem, where ranking, sports strategy, visibility and individual progress intertwine.

What we observe in amateur tournaments is ultimately just a reflection, on another scale, of mechanisms already present on the international circuits.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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