Brussels P2: Alejandra Salazar says goodbye

Brussels is preparing for a special chapter in professional padel: from 19 to 26 April, the fifth edition of the Lotto Brussels Premier Padel P2 will take place at the Gare Maritime in Tour & Taxis. As one of 25 stops on the professional circuit calendar, the event is drawing attention not only for sporting reasons — in 2026, an emotional moment is set to take center stage.

Because with Alejandra Salazar, the organizers have confirmed a player who shaped women’s padel for years and now intends to play one of her last tournaments in the Belgian capital. For fans, it is a rare chance to see a legend compete once more — in an arena that has established itself as a stage for top-level rallies and big stories.

Tournament at Tour & Taxis: dates, stage, significance

The choice of venue matches the event’s ambitions: the historic Gare Maritime provides a striking indoor backdrop with space, industrial character and modern show elements. That very setting has given the Brussels P2 its own identity — and makes the week special for players, teams and spectators alike.

• Tournament: Lotto Brussels Premier Padel P2
• Dates: 19–26 April
• Venue: Gare Maritime, Tour & Taxis (Brussels)
• Salazar’s first match in the main draw: likely 21 or 22 April

The tournament is run by a team around Vincent Laureyssens and Nicolas Lhoist, supported by regional partners from the tennis and padel community. The message is clear: Brussels wants to be a fixed point on the Premier Padel calendar — with professional conditions and an atmosphere that resonates beyond the court.

Alejandra Salazar: a career built on records

At 40, Salazar still belongs to the world elite. The Spanish standout remains ranked in the top 10 and is considered one of the most successful athletes in the history of women’s padel. Her career stands for consistency, tactical maturity and an ability to reinvent herself — regardless of how much the pace of play and the competition have evolved over the years.

Titles, peak years and partners

The numbers underline why her appearance in Brussels is seen both as a sporting highlight and a farewell moment. Salazar won world titles, collected dozens of tour trophies and reached world number one on several occasions. At the same time, she shaped the game with different partners and showed how crucial chemistry, role distribution and match management are in doubles.

• Multiple-time world champion and record holder in women’s padel
• Numerous titles on the international tour
• World number one on multiple occasions
• Successful partnerships including Marta Marrero, Ariana Sánchez, Gemma Triay and Carolina Navarro

On court, Salazar stood out not only for her technique but also for her game intelligence: calm decisions in build-up, precise placement in bandeja and volley situations, and an instinct for when to take risks and when patience is the better tool.

Setbacks and comebacks: resilience as a trademark

A great career is not only about wins but also about phases when the body sets limits. Over the years, Salazar had to overcome injuries — especially to knees and elbow — and also deal with health issues beyond the musculoskeletal system. The fact that she remained competitive for so long is a big part of her standing in the sport.

In Brussels, that background will be part of the story: not only is a player saying goodbye, but a sporting journey becomes visible — one shaped by discipline and adaptability. For many younger pros, Salazar is a reference point for how performance, professionalism and attitude can go hand in hand.

A tribute in Brussels: closeness for fans, symbolism for the event

Organizers expect the 2026 week to attract additional attention because of the farewell tour. The plan is to make the moment tangible for the audience — not through grand gestures, but through proximity: full stands, palpable tension and the chance to watch an icon compete one more time.

A limited collector idea from the equipment side fits that approach: a Bullpadel collector racket highlighting key milestones and titles from Salazar’s career is set to be offered on site. A signing opportunity is also expected — a detail that links the sporting occasion with a personal memory.

What to expect on the sporting side

From a sporting perspective, the P2 in Brussels remains a tough test: a compact tournament week, high pressure and a field where even small dips are punished quickly. For Salazar, it will be about using her experience — with a clear service game, consistent net positioning and a tactical plan that emphasizes her duo’s strengths.

At the same time, the event reflects the broader evolution of pro padel: more tournaments, more media exposure, higher athletic standards and a game increasingly defined by pace, anticipation and varied lobs. Brussels provides a stage where tradition and modernity meet — and in 2026, also a farewell that is set to become part of the tournament’s history.