One of the biggest names in Padel is Beatriz González Fernández, better known as Bea González. At the age of 14, she made her professional debut, making history as the youngest player to compete in the top division.
She established herself as one of the sport’s most promising young stars by winning her first professional title at the age of 18. She is now regarded as a member of the elite, holding several titles, and is well-known for her assertive, vivacious style and affable personality.González tries the kind of trick shot that most players can only imagine in a recently circulated video: a delicate drop shot directed at a little plastic bucket, a target so small and narrow that it appears impossible to strike. She hits the ball exactly on the mark after sending it gently floating over the net with laser-like focus. The accomplishment is similar to the incredible precision of tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is known for using his serve to hit a coin on the court. This instance demonstrates the technical proficiency and mental acuity that characterize her style.González’s skill in making such a shot is not by chance. Her explosive movement, quick reactions, and acute anticipation are the foundation of her game. She is renowned for controlling the net with strong volleys and for choosing shots strategically to keep opponents off balance. González’s footwork is a very underappreciated skill that allows her to always be one step ahead of her opponents. It is the basis for gaining more points in Padel by better positioning, approaching the net, where most points are decided, and showing up where opponents least expect her. Bea understands that in order to surprise opponents, footwork and continuous movement are crucial. She said “I would describe myself as a very physical player who is moving all the time, actually too much sometimes. They even tell me I spend more energy than necessary. I’m an attacking and competitive player and always like to be at the net to dictate the outcome of the points.”Her early exposure to the game surely also contributed to her development of that touch and feeling of accuracy, making it instinctive for her to smash the ball with the padel racket. González talks passionately about how she began playing Padel as a young child. “I would stay to watch my dad play with his friends and join them after they finished. Having a club really close to home was very important. My mother signed me up for classes, and my coach soon told her I had a gift,” she said.González’s fortitude and abilities were put to the test throughout the 2024 season. She battled injuries like pectoral problems and foot thrombosis, but she came back to the court stronger than ever and won important matches, including the Dubai P1, toward the end of the season.In 2025, González and Claudia Fernández, her new youthful teammate, have emerged as one of the main contenders for the dominant top two seeds, Delfina Brea and Gemma Triay and Ariana Sánchez and Paula Josemaría. González had to withdraw because of injury worries, which was a regrettable setback for them as they advanced to the Riyadh P1 final. However, in their first season together, the young duo is pushing the top seeds to the limit and honing their synergy.González is not only hitting goals but also establishing them for the upcoming generation of Padel players with her distinctive blend of skill, flair, and competitiveness.