The smile has returned to Alejandro GalánIn an intimate interview with SPORT in Doha, the Spanish player appeared relaxed, joking and happier than ever. After a 2024 marked by the painful breakup with Juan Lebrón and a complicated end to the season, Galán seems to be coming back to life on and off the slopes. And what better way than Qatar Major, the scene of its tumultuous recent past, to take stock.

Doha, a place of contrasts

“Doha leaves me with mixed memories. I won my first world title there… and I experienced some very difficult moments there. Last year, everything exploded here.” On March 5, 2024, Galán and Lebrón lost in the round of 100 to Yanguas and Garrido in a tense match that would precipitate their separation. But this season, everything changed. “Fede and I are XNUMX% focused on our game. We work very hard, and we feel very good.”

A personal renewal

Galán confides that he has rediscovered the pleasure of playing. "I've managed to fall in love with padel again. Every day, I come to train with enthusiasm. The atmosphere with Fede, the coaches... it's a joy." The Spanish player doesn't hide his admiration for his Argentinian partner: "Fede is always there for others. He gives of himself, even at the expense of his own comfort. He's generous, a good listener, but also ultra-competitive."

The weight of 2024

He also returns to the last season, and in particular this missed turning point after the summer. "In Madrid, I felt we could become number one, but the pressure played a trick on me. Tapia and Coello reached an incredible level. Arturo progressed in his error management, while maintaining his power. He was the one who made the difference."

On his own game

Galán lucidly analyzes the perception people have of him. "I think people underestimate my ability to make my partners shine. I've won with a lot of different players. On the other hand, people perhaps overestimate my 'magic style' a little. I can be a bit crude sometimes, I should probably relax my wrist more to make my game more fluid."

What he admires about Tapia and Coello

If he could "steal" a quality from his competitors, Gallant would choose the Coello's power and creativity, And the Tapia's versatility. "Agus is capable of being decisive at the back as well as up front. It's impressive."

The conflict with Premier Padel

Regarding the current crisis between the players and the circuit, the Madrilenian prefers to remain focused: "I just want to play, have fun, and focus on the competition. But I really hope the conflicts are resolved quickly. Padel deserves to grow in a peaceful environment."

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

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