A classic that goes in favor of the top seeds
From February 7 to 14, 2026, the Premier Padel circuit launched its season in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), at the Padel Rush Arena. And for the first major event, the “classic” once again pitted Arturo Coello / Agustín Tapia against Federico Chingotto / Alejandro Galán. In the Riyadh Season P1 final, the No.1s struck first: victory 6-4, 6-2 and the first men’s trophy of the year.
The scenario was somewhat paradoxical: Coello and Tapia didn’t dominate all week, but they clearly raised the stakes at the decisive moment. The day before, they had to fight hard in three sets against Juan Lebrón / Leo Augsburger (7-6, 6-7, 6-4), while Chingotto and Galán won a rushed semifinal against Paquito Navarro / Fran Guerrero (6-1, 6-2).
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To remember:
- A final locked in on the management of central zones and returns.
- Exchanges that take place “between” the salida de pared and the vibora, where the tempo shifts.
- A chiquita battle to keep Galán back and avoid his accelerations.
- The ability of the No.1s to turn pressure into winning points in transition.
The tactics: low, deep… then accelerate
Against this duo, the idea isn’t to win fast: it’s to win fair. Coello worked hard on cross-volleys and half-high balls, to prevent Chingotto from establishing his blocking game at the net. Tapia, for his part, alternated globo and tight balls in the corridor, to cut Galán’s momentum on smashes and x3 exits.
The nuance was also played out in an area that amateurs underestimate: the first ball after defense. When pair n°1 succeeded in putting low back to the middle (la chiquita) or advancing after a long defense, they created doubt: Galán could no longer trigger in comfort, Chingotto had to cover more, and the exchange opened up for the next bandeja or bajada de pared.
At last we saw a strong signal: even when the point seemed to be bogging down, Coello and Tapia continued to look for the right percentage, rather than maximum risk-taking. On a fast track, half a meter more depth, a lower returning, and the counter window disappears.
And now: the start of a tour that leaves you breathless
The title in Riyadh kicks off a busy schedule, with Gijón P2 (March 2-8, 2026), Cancún P2 (March 16-22) and Miami P1 (March 23-29) coming up very quickly. The tempo for rivalries is set early on… and Chingotto and Galán can look forward to a rematch.
