A classic from the very first P1
It may be a different season, but the men’s elite often meet in the same place: at the summit. In Riyadh, Tapia/Coello and Chingotto/Galán revive a rivalry that has set the tempo for 2025, with a statistic that says it all: almost all the major titles have been played out between them, according to the figures released around the tournament.
What was most interesting this time was the contrast between the semifinals. On the one hand, an express demonstration by Chingotto and Galán, expeditious and economical. On the other, a marathon for Coello and Tapia, who emerged from a high-voltage match in three sets. This detail can make all the difference when it comes to holding a long diagonal, or remaining lucid in a tight tiebreak: the final is won not only on talent, but also on the management of dips.
For the full schedule, fixtures to watch and broadcast info, our reference point is here: Riyadh P1 2026: official broadcast, schedule and fixtures to watch.
Tactics: freshness, diagonals and hot zones
The duel often comes down to a precise point: the ability to take the net without exposing yourself. Chingotto/Galán have a very clear plan, but it’s very hard to counter: defend low, deliver one more ball, then accelerate as soon as the opponent’s bandeja floats. Galán weighs in with his heavy vibora and changes direction, while Chingotto secures the right and makes transitions difficult to negotiate.
Coello/Tapia, on the other hand, win when they impose their tempo on returns and first volleys. Tapia’s ability to vary (drop shot, acceleration, “dead” ball to the feet) prevents the opponent from settling in. And if Coello locks down the net correctly, the pressure becomes constant: a slightly short lob, a slightly soft volley, and the point is turned.
So, who’s going to win? At this stage, a cautious prediction: a slight Tapia/Coello advantage based on their experience of big matches and their ability to survive hot moments. But the equation changes if the final drags on: the freshness and discipline of Chingotto/Galán can make the difference on a late break, especially if the match becomes a contest of interminable diagonals.
On the women’s side, the tournament also offered a real turning point at the top of the draw: several seeded pairs were rebattled, except for the top seed. Triay/Brea arrive with strong momentum, while Ustero/Sánchez are aiming for a first title together, with the desire to establish a new history from the very first P1.
Timetable (France/Belgium time difference) :
- Riyadh local time (UTC+3) → France/Belgium (CET, UTC+1): subtract 2 hours
- Ladies’ final: 3:00 p.m. in Riyadh = 1:00 p.m. in France/Belgium
- Men’s final: not before 5:00 p.m. in Riyadh = not before 3:00 p.m. in France/Belgium
Useful official sources: Order of Play (FIP) and tournament results on Premier Padel.
