Rome, Italy – The Foro Italico once again proved to be a hallowed ground for Fede Chingotto and Ale Galan, as the dynamic duo, affectionately known as “Chingalan,” clinched the BNL Italy Major Premier Padel men’s title. Their victory marks a significant milestone, breaking a 343-day drought against their formidable rivals, Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia, in a Premier Padel tournament. Italy, it seems, truly is a lucky charm for the pairing, with their last triumph over Coello and Tapia also occurring on Italian soil, in Genova.
The number 2 seeds put on a spectacular display, securing decisive breaks in both sets against the reigning world No. 1s. The Rome crowd was brought to its feet by an “unreal” recovery from Chingotto in the second set, a highlight that quickly went viral across social media. This hard-fought victory evens the score in the 2024 season, with both of the sport’s top pairs now boasting four titles each. While Coello and Tapia left to a roaring ovation, their determination to reclaim supremacy remains undimmed.
“I’m very happy to have won another tournament that is very special to me,” expressed a jubilant Galan, who also claimed the Rome title in 2022 with former partner Juan Lebron. “We had fun all week, on and off the court. And when we have fun, we manage to give our best.” Chingotto added a heartfelt dedication, stating, “I’m really happy with all the teamwork, and I’m happy to dedicate the victory to my father, because today is Father’s Day in Argentina. Thank you, Ale, for believing in me, and thank you to the fans for believing in Chingalan.”
The women’s tournament also delivered thrilling action, culminating in the triumph of Delfi Brea and Gemma Triay. This victory propelled Triay back to the coveted World No. 1 spot in the FIP rankings, marking a seesaw battle at the top of the women’s game. For the third consecutive tournament, the FIP ranking queen has changed hands, with Triay reclaiming the throne after brief stints by Gemma Triay and then Paula Josemaria and Ari Sanchez.
Brea and Triay secured their Major title with a dominant double 6-4 victory, showcasing their resilience by winning five consecutive games from a 3-4 deficit in the first set. This marks Triay’s second Major title of the season with Brea and her second Major in Rome, having won in 2023 with Marta Ortega. “A great match that ended a special week,” a delighted Triay commented, “We have once again demonstrated our strength. Pizza or pasta tonight? Both!” Her partner, Delfi Brea, echoed the sentiment, “All this is fantastic. But I have to say that playing with a champion like Gemma is really easy.”
The BNL Italy Major Premier Padel was an extraordinary success, attracting a total of 33,000 spectators, a 10% increase compared to the 2024 edition. The event was further enhanced by a visit from IOC President Thomas Bach, highlighting the growing global appeal of padel.
The Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour now remains in Europe, with the next P2 category tournaments scheduled from June 22 to 29 in Valladolid, home of Arturo Coello, followed by Bordeaux the subsequent week. Padel enthusiasts can anticipate more thrilling action as the season unfolds.
