Pincho quickly realized that Coello didn’t think like everyone else
On the Puente Banana podcast, Pincho Fernández reflected on a memory that takes on a whole new meaning today: that of a teenage Arturo Coello, still far from becoming a global star but already confident in his path. In 2019, the two players shared the court during the Valladolid native’s early days on the former World Padel Tour. Pincho’s perspective carries even more weight because he isn’t speaking about Coello as a mere observer: he was right there with him, as the young Spaniard was still discovering the demands of the professional circuit.
The key point, according to Pincho, wasn’t just his left arm, his height, or his power. It was, above all, that almost disconcerting sense of certainty. At age 16, Coello was already talking about becoming the world No.1. “He said he would reach No. 1, but he had it very clear in his mind,” provided a recap Pincho Fernández.
Why wasn’t Pincho surprised? Because Coello already possessed two qualities that are rare at that age: an unapologetic ambition and a game designed to make an impact. Even in its raw form, his padel style hinted at an ability to attack the net, cover the airspace, and serve as a turning point in rallies with a high ball, a bandeja, or a sudden acceleration.
From Arturo Coello’s Early Days to a Dominance That Has Become the Gold Standard
Pincho’s account resonates all the more because Coello has turned that promise into a track record of achievements. The Spanish player, alongside Agustín Tapia, has established himself as one of the leading figures in the world of padel, to the point where he now represents the pinnacle of the men’s circuit. Actu Padel also covered this in detail in its article on Arturo Coello and his 10 Majors, a milestone that further highlights the significance of his career.
What stands out in Pincho’s story is its continuity. The teenage Coello who declared his aim was to take first place has become a player whose entire padel game seems built around this idea: imposing himself, exercising control over the play, and moving forward. For him, ambition didn’t come before the game—it shaped it. Together with Tapia, this makes for a pair whose intentions are easy to read, but whose execution is difficult to contain.
The 2026 season, however, serves as a reminder that this dominance is being played out with a much narrower margin. Galán and Chingotto closed the gap, before Coello and Tapia struck back at the BNL Italy Premier Padel Major. After four consecutive losses to their rivals, the No. 1 duo claimed another major title in Rome, as Actu Padel reported in “Coello and Tapia Make a Comeback in Rome After Four Consecutive Losses.”
Tapia/Coello, Lebrón/Galán, Chingotto/Galán: Three Perspectives on the Final
Pincho Fernández also compared two major recent dominances: Tapia/Coello and Lebrón/Galán. In his view, the former impose a clear and recognizable game plan, while Lebrón and Galán were more likely to outpace their opponents. “They played with a different tempo,” he explained, highlighting the physical impact this pair has had on modern padel.
This nuance says a lot about the evolution of men’s padel. Lebrón/Galán achieved acceleration in terms of standards; Coello/Tapia established a spectacular style of control; Chingotto/Galán are now seeking to disrupt that dynamic through volume, the “globo,” low defense, and quality transitions. Chingotto’s jump, as highlighted by Pincho, provides confirmation that the duel at the top is no longer just a matter of power, but also of variety and tactical acumen.
To remember:
- Pincho Fernández had recognized Arturo Coello’s conviction very early on.
- Young Coello’s remarks about being number one proved true on tour.
- Tapia and Coello remain the team to beat, but Galán and Chingotto have narrowed the duel.
- The Lebrón/Galán legacy remains central to understanding the current intensity of men’s padel.
