Tapia and Coello shine as Buenos Aires P1 breaks records

A record-breaking crowd and unpredictable conditions set the stage for a dramatic week of padel in Buenos Aires. From organizational challenges to standout performances, the tournament tested both players and organizers in unexpected ways. Dive in to discover how top teams navigated the chaos and who ultimately emerged victorious.

Video created by: @the4Set

Unprecedented atmosphere and record attendance at buenos aires p1

The Premier Padel Buenos Aires P1 delivered an electric atmosphere, with over 16,000 fans packing the central court—setting a new attendance record for padel. The reviewer from the4Set highlighted the sheer scale of the venue, noting its unique design: while technically an indoor arena, the open structure allowed the cold Argentine autumn air to chill the court. This combination of passionate crowds and challenging conditions made the event a standout on the Premier Padel calendar.

The stadium’s layout also played a role in the week’s drama. The central court, situated apart from the secondary courts in the Pavona America pavilion, became a focal point for both competition and controversy. The reviewer described the view as “incredible,” emphasizing the historic significance of such a large gathering for a padel match.

Organizational chaos and a serious court accident

Despite the festive environment, the tournament was marred by organizational challenges. A significant incident occurred on the central court when the silicone seal between two glass panels came loose, creating a dangerous gap. The reviewer recalled a similar issue at the A1 New York Major, where a player injured his hand on a faulty glass panel. In Buenos Aires, the problem forced the suspension of Friday’s matches so repairs could be made, compressing the schedule and adding stress for players and organizers alike.

These disruptions meant that some matches, including key rounds, were rescheduled or moved between courts. The reviewer noted that the central court played much slower due to the cold, while the secondary courts inside the pavilion were significantly faster—creating inconsistent playing conditions that tested the adaptability of even the top-ranked teams.

Impact of cold temperatures and court speed on play

Weather and court conditions became a decisive factor throughout the week. The central court’s slow pace, combined with the cold, led to marathon matches lasting over three hours. Players were seen wearing thermal jerseys—gear rarely used outside of the Paris Major—underscoring just how chilly the conditions were.

These factors had a tangible impact on performance. For example, the reviewer pointed out that the team of Cardona struggled after their match was moved last-minute from a faster secondary court to the slow central court, resulting in an early exit in the round of 16. The unpredictability of the playing surface added another layer of complexity to an already challenging tournament.

Key matches and standout performances in the knockout rounds

The tournament’s later stages featured several memorable clashes. In the quarterfinals, Stupa and his partner faced Jon and Momo, with Momo delivering an MVP-worthy performance on the fast pavilion court. Despite having a match point, Stupa’s team faltered in the tiebreak, with uncharacteristic errors from Stupa on his signature shots—possibly a sign of pressure or lingering effects from his recent injury recovery.

Meanwhile, the top seeds Tapia and Coello faced Edu Alonso and Jairo Bautista, two close friends and training partners. After a shaky start with more unforced errors, Coello’s team found their rhythm in the second set, with Coello executing a decisive “por cuatro” and shifting the momentum decisively in their favor.

  • Quarterfinal MVP: Momo (Jon & Momo)
  • Key turnaround: Coello’s por cuatro in second set
  • Unexpected errors: Stupa’s missed rulo and backhand under pressure

Semifinals marked by physical struggles and tactical surprises

The semifinals brought more drama, particularly in the match involving Galan and Paquito. Galan, usually a physical powerhouse, was visibly hampered by a stomach issue that left him dehydrated and unable to move at his usual level. Despite his efforts, the condition forced him and his partner to retire early in the third set, handing victory to Paquito and his team. The reviewer noted that this unexpected turn of events created one of the tournament’s most memorable moments, as Paquito delivered an emotional post-match reaction.

Elsewhere, Tapia and Coello continued their dominant run, dispatching Jon and Momo in straight sets despite a late-night start. The match finished around 2:30 a.m., leaving the finalists with little time to recover before the championship match.

Tapia and coello’s triumph in front of a home crowd

The final saw Tapia and Coello reclaim their dominance, defeating their opponents with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 scoreline. The reviewer emphasized the significance of this victory, especially for Tapia, who was competing in front of his home fans in Buenos Aires. The win was particularly sweet given their previous quarterfinal exit at this venue and the immense pressure Tapia admitted to feeling throughout the week.

With this result, Tapia and Coello not only secured the Buenos Aires P1 title but also overtook Galan in the rankings, cementing their status as the world’s top pair. The event concluded with a sense of celebration and relief, as the local hero delivered under extraordinary circumstances.

  • Final score: 6-2, 6-2 (Tapia & Coello)
  • Attendance: Over 16,000 (record for padel)
  • Ranking impact: Tapia & Coello surpass Galan in the rankings

Key takeaways from a turbulent but historic buenos aires p1

The Buenos Aires P1 will be remembered for its record-breaking crowd, unpredictable conditions, and the resilience of its top players. Organizational mishaps and a serious court accident tested everyone involved, but the event ultimately showcased the passion and growth of padel in Argentina. Tapia’s ability to thrive under pressure, the adaptability of the world’s best teams, and the unwavering enthusiasm of the fans made this a tournament to remember.

As the tour moves on to its next stop in Rome, the lessons and stories from Buenos Aires will linger—reminding everyone just how much can happen in a single week of Premier Padel.

Article written by

Practica Padel Team

Practica Padel Team

Specialists in curating insights from padel coaches, professional players, and trusted reviewers. Our goal is to make expert knowledge easy to understand and accessible for every player.

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Frequently asked questions

What made the Buenos Aires P1 event unique compared to other padel tournaments?

The Buenos Aires P1 stood out for its record-breaking attendance of over 16,000 fans, an electric atmosphere, and a central court with a unique open design. The cold Argentine autumn and passionate local crowd created challenging and memorable conditions not often seen in other tournaments.

How did the weather and court conditions affect player performance during the tournament?

Cold temperatures and a slow central court led to longer matches and forced players to adapt their strategies. Some wore thermal jerseys for warmth, and teams struggled when matches were moved between courts with different speeds, making adaptability a key factor in performance.

What organizational issues impacted the Buenos Aires P1, and how were they handled?

A major issue occurred when the silicone seal between glass panels on the central court came loose, creating a safety hazard. This led to suspended matches and a compressed schedule, adding stress for players and organizers. Despite these challenges, repairs were made and the event continued.

Who were the standout players and teams during the knockout rounds?

Momo delivered an MVP performance in the quarterfinals, while Tapia and Coello showed resilience after a shaky start. Stupa struggled under pressure, and Galan was forced to retire in the semifinals due to illness. Ultimately, Tapia and Coello dominated the final, winning 6-2, 6-2.

What was the significance of Tapia and Coello's victory in Buenos Aires?

Tapia and Coello’s win was especially meaningful as they claimed the title in front of Tapia’s home crowd, overcoming previous disappointments at this venue. Their victory also allowed them to surpass Galan in the rankings, establishing themselves as the world’s top padel pair.

How did the central court differ from the secondary courts at the event?

The central court was slower due to its open structure and cold conditions, while the secondary courts inside the pavilion were much faster. This created inconsistent playing conditions, requiring players to quickly adjust their tactics when matches were moved between courts.

What advice did the reviewer offer for players facing unpredictable tournament conditions?

The reviewer highlighted the importance of adaptability, noting that top teams needed to adjust quickly to changing court speeds and schedules. Staying mentally strong and prepared for unexpected challenges was key to success in such a turbulent tournament environment.