Chingotto and Galán end a 343-day drought against Coello and Tapia
The Premier Padel Italy Major delivered one of the season’s most anticipated moments as Fede Chingotto and Ale Galán finally broke their long losing streak against the dominant pair of Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia. After 343 days without a single official win over the world’s number one duo, “Chingalán” emerged victorious in Rome, ending a run of nine consecutive defeats and shifting the balance at the very top of the padel world.
This victory not only marks a turning point for Chingotto and Galán but also reshuffles the race for the number one ranking, with both pairs now locked in a fierce rivalry that is defining the 2024 season.
Drama and injuries shape the Italy major’s early rounds
The Italy Major was marked by a series of injuries and pair shake-ups that added unpredictability to the draw. Three players suffered significant setbacks: Valentino Libaak, Martín Di Nenno, and Thomas Leygue. Leygue’s back injury will keep him out until September, forcing Javi Garrido to find a new partner. Di Nenno’s dramatic ankle injury, described by the reviewer as looking “like a padel ball in his ankle,” was a particularly tough blow in the round of 16.
These injuries led to new pairings and tactical adjustments, with some teams forced to adapt on short notice. The channel highlighted how these disruptions contributed to a more open and unpredictable tournament atmosphere.
Breakups and new partnerships shake the men’s circuit
One of the most talked-about stories was the breakup of Tolito Aguirre and Gonza Alfonso, the A1 Padel Tour’s top duo. Despite their friendship—Tolito even has a tattoo of Gonza’s logo—the pair decided to part ways after a string of early exits in Premier Padel events. Their last win together came at the Brussels P2, but since then, they struggled to make an impact in major tournaments.
- Tolito Aguirre will now play with Javi Garrido
- Gonza Alfonso teams up with Sanyo Gutiérrez
The reviewer asked viewers which of these new pairs they preferred, underscoring the sense of anticipation and uncertainty that comes with such high-profile changes.
Atmosphere and setting: the magic of Foro Italico
The Italy Major’s setting at the Foro Italico in Rome was described as “the most charismatic padel court in the world.” The creator emphasized the unique atmosphere, with courts surrounded by 24 marble statues and a palpable sense of history. The central court, Campo Centrale, was highlighted as a must-see for any padel fan, offering a blend of tradition and spectacle rarely matched on the tour.
Beyond the main courts, the reviewer noted the presence of mini padel courts and the opportunity for fans to experience the sport in a truly iconic environment. The blend of tennis history and padel’s rising profile made the event feel special for players and spectators alike.
Key matches: semi-final tension and tactical battles
The semi-final between Chingotto/Galán and Stupa/Di Nenno was described as one of the tournament’s best matches. The reviewer felt that Stupa and Di Nenno were superior for much of the contest, but Chingotto and Galán’s mental strength proved decisive. The crowd’s energy, including some disruptive moments, added to the tension, but ultimately Chingalán’s focus and resilience saw them through to the final.
Elsewhere, Franco Stupaczuk and Martín Di Nenno continued to show their quality, while Franco Guerrero and Fabián made their first major semi-final as a pair, impressing with their tactical play and teamwork.
The final: how Chingotto and Galán toppled Coello and Tapia
The final was the 18th meeting between these two elite pairs, with Coello and Tapia having won the previous nine encounters. The match unfolded as a classic, with Coello and Tapia taking the first set, Chingotto and Galán fighting back to win the second in a tiebreak, and then sealing the victory 6-3 in the third set.
The reviewer identified two decisive factors:
- Galan’s smash: Galán executed more smashes, and with greater effectiveness, than both Tapia and Coello combined, applying relentless pressure and finishing points with authority.
- Chingotto’s lob: Chingotto’s high-quality lobs consistently disrupted Tapia and Coello’s attacking rhythm, forcing errors and neutralizing their power game. Remarkably, Chingotto made only three or four errors in the entire final.
Strategically, Chingotto and Galán targeted Coello more frequently, a tactic that had also worked for them in the previous year’s Italy Major final. The statistics further underscored their dominance: while Tapia and Coello managed only three break points, Chingotto and Galán created eight.
What this win means for the padel world
With this victory, Chingotto and Galán not only ended a nine-match losing streak but also ascended to the top spot in the season’s race. The reviewer noted that this win mirrored their triumph in the previous year’s Italy Major, suggesting that Rome is becoming a special venue for the pair.
Coello and Tapia, meanwhile, remain one of the sport’s most successful partnerships, having now matched the 33 titles won by Juan Lebrón and Ale Galán as a pair. The rivalry between these two teams is set to define the rest of the season, with the next major showdown likely to take place in Valladolid, Coello’s home city.
- Chingotto/Galán: Ended a 343-day losing streak vs. Coello/Tapia
- Final score: Lost first set, won second in tiebreak, 6-3 in third
- Key tactics: Galán’s smashes, Chingotto’s lobs, targeting Coello
- Break points: 8 for Chingotto/Galán, 3 for Coello/Tapia
- Race standings: Chingotto/Galán now number one
The Italy Major in Rome has once again proven to be a stage for drama, tactical brilliance, and shifting fortunes at the very top of world padel.
