Inside the premier padel finals: exclusive access to the Barcelona arena
The reviewer from the4Set takes viewers directly into the heart of the Premier Padel Finals in Barcelona, offering a rare look at the central court and its exclusive facilities. Only the top 16 players in the world compete on this main stage, and the atmosphere is unmistakably elite. Each pair of players is assigned their own personalized locker room, complete with custom posters, fresh fruit, and all the amenities needed for top-level preparation. These thoughtful details, according to the creator, set the event apart and contribute to the players’ focus and comfort.
Beyond the locker rooms, the arena features a dedicated gym for player warm-ups. While not as large as the facilities at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Kuwait, the Barcelona gym is well-equipped and serves as a hub for pre-match routines. The reviewer notes the presence of players like Juan Lebron and Agustin Tapia preparing for their matches, highlighting the professional environment that permeates the venue.
Player activations and unique pre-match experiences
One of the standout features of the finals is the variety of pre-match activities available for players. The arena’s athlete lounge, sponsored by Red Bull, offers a space to relax and recharge, with a selection of Red Bull flavors and even a Formula 1 racing simulator. The4Set’s creator points out that players can unwind by “driving like Max Verstappen” before stepping onto the court, adding a playful and modern touch to the event experience.
Off-court, the reviewer also highlights the Red Bull Padel winners from Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, who participate in special out-of-court games. These activities, while lighthearted, contribute to the vibrant and engaging atmosphere of the finals, making the event more than just a series of matches.
Special giveaways and fan engagement at the event
Fan engagement is a major theme at the Premier Padel Finals. The channel showcases a Christmas giveaway in partnership with Head, featuring an array of prizes:
- 5 Head padel rackets
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 2 bags
- Many additional items, including a special Wilson Blade racket
With over 250 lottery balls and more than 50 prizes up for grabs, the event’s organizers clearly prioritize fan involvement and excitement. The reviewer encourages viewers to participate, emphasizing the festive spirit and community feel of the finals.
Emotional moments and player milestones during the finals
The Barcelona finals were marked by several emotional highlights. A particularly notable moment was the tribute to Fernando Belasteguín, who played alongside Martín Di Nenno. The event also saw Edu Alonso’s historic victory over Franco Stupaczuk and Martín Di Nenno in the quarterfinals—a feat that had not been achieved since the pair joined forces at the start of the season. The reviewer notes that, although Stupa and Di Nenno’s motivation may have waned after losing their chance at the number one ranking, Alonso’s win was still a major upset and a highlight of the tournament.
Another emotional scene unfolded between Juan Lebron and Paquito Navarro after their qualifying victory. Lebron confirmed the end of his partnership with Navarro in a tearful interview, marking the close of an era for the duo. Despite losing in the semifinals to Coello and Tapia, Lebron and Navarro secured the bronze medal in the first-ever third-place match at the finals, though none of the four players were eager to play it, as admitted in the post-match press conference.
Technical analysis: the slowest court of the season and its impact
The4Set’s creator provides a detailed breakdown of the playing conditions in Barcelona, emphasizing that the finals featured the slowest court of the entire season. According to Padel Intelligence data:
- Barcelona had the lowest percentage of “winners” per stroke at just 13.3%.
- By comparison, the fastest court of the season (in Valladolid) saw 41% of strokes result in winners.
- The average rally length in Barcelona was 10.15 strokes per point, the highest of the year.
This slow court led to longer matches and scheduling challenges, with some contests—such as the Edu Alonso and Momo González vs. Stupaczuk and Di Nenno match—finishing as late as 2 a.m. The reviewer expresses mixed feelings about such slow conditions, noting that even top players like Tapia, Galán, and Coello struggled to adapt, and that the drawn-out rallies affected the overall flow of the tournament.
The historic final: Coki Nieto and Jon Sanz end Coello and Tapia’s streak
The climax of the Premier Padel Finals was the showdown between Coki Nieto and Jon Sanz and the dominant pair of Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia, who entered the match with an unbeaten streak of 165 days and 47 consecutive victories. The final was the first appearance for Nieto and Sanz at this stage, and expectations heavily favored Coello and Tapia, especially after they won the first set without facing a single break point.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second set. At a critical juncture, Coello and Tapia held two match points, but Nieto and Sanz fought back with remarkable energy and determination. They captured the second set, driven by what the reviewer calls “blind faith” and the relentless play of Jon Sanz. The deciding set saw Nieto and Sanz capitalize on their opponents’ fatigue and loss of focus, ultimately securing a historic victory and becoming the new masters of padel.
The match was characterized by heart and resilience rather than pure tactics, and the sportsmanship displayed at the end—mutual applause and respect between the pairs—underscored the significance of the moment. For Nieto and Sanz, this triumph was especially meaningful, marking the culmination of a season filled with ups and downs and proving the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on an epic season and the debate over the 2024 MVP
As the curtain falls on the 2024 Premier Padel season, the4Set’s creator reflects on the year’s defining moments and opens the debate on who deserves the MVP title. While Agustin Tapia is mentioned as a strong candidate, the reviewer leaves the question open for discussion, inviting fans to weigh in on the year’s standout performer.
The Barcelona finals, with their blend of emotional farewells, technical intrigue, and a historic upset, provided a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable season. The victory of Nieto and Sanz over the seemingly invincible Coello and Tapia will be remembered as one of the great moments in padel history, capping off a year that showcased both the sport’s competitive depth and its capacity for surprise.
