Four years later, Valencia is back with padel in a big way: a 2026 edition that's already historic

Nearly four years after its last appearance at the highest international level, padel has reclaimed one of its strongholds. And the least that can be said is that the return of Valencia Premier Padel P1 exceeded all expectations.

For one week, Fonteta vibrated to the rhythm of the world's best padel. More than 40 000 spectators They crossed the threshold of the Valencian arena, transforming each session into a veritable cauldron. Packed stands, an electric atmosphere, suspenseful matches, world stars and spectacular finals: Valencia reminded everyone why it remains one of the great cities of padel.

And to conclude this week of celebration, the spectators were treated to two very high-level finals.

Sánchez and Ustero confirm their rise to power

The day began with the women's final between the world's number 3 players. Ari Sánchez and Andrea Ustero to the world number 4 Sofia Araújo and Claudia Fernández .

After taking down the world number 1s Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea In the semi-finals, Sánchez and Ustero confirmed that they are currently the most in-form pair on the circuit.

In very fast conditions, Andrea Ustero once again showcased her power. Impressive with her smash throughout the tournament, the young Spaniard was perfectly supported by an exceptionally consistent Ari Sánchez.

After winning the first set 6-4, the eventual champions experienced a lapse in the second set. Fernández and Araújo took advantage, leveling the match with a 6-3 set win.

But just like in the semi-final against Triay and Brea, Sánchez and Ustero knew how to accelerate at the best moment. More aggressive and more precise in the key moments, they soared in the decisive set to win. 6/4 3/6 6/2 .

A second title in Premier Padel this season after their victory in Riyadh, but above all a confirmation: the Spanish pair are now capable of beating the best teams in the world over several consecutive matches.

Tapia and Coello pull off one of the comebacks of the year

But the men's final raised the dramatic level even further.

For the 35th clash between the two best pairs in the world, Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello were reunited with their great rivals Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto .

And the scenario was completely crazy.

From the very first games, Federico Chingotto injured his ankle when he went off the court. The Argentinian received extensive treatment before resuming the match with significant strapping.

Despite this, Galán and Chingotto played a tactically remarkable first set. They perfectly exploited the fast conditions and managed to neutralize some of the world number ones' attacking game. A logical reward: they won the first-set tiebreak.

Tapia and Coello reacted immediately. The world number ones crushed the second set 6-1 and seemed to have regained control of the match.

But the third set still holds many surprises.

Galán and Chingotto have rediscovered their early-match form and taken control. The world number 2s are in the lead. 5/2 and 5/3 , with victory seemingly within their grasp.

Yet, once again, Tapia and Coello refuse to give up.

They break back, get back into the match and push the encounter into a nail-biting tie-break.

À 1 - 5 In this decisive game, the world's number 1 players are still on the edge of the precipice.

That's when Agustín Tapia pulled off several incredible shots. The Argentinian reeled off winners, Coello remained solid in the crucial moments, and the duo completely turned the match around to secure the victory. 8 points to 6 in the final tie-break.

Final score: 6/7 6/1 7/6 after 2 hours and 14 minutes of play .

A spectacular comeback that will remain one of the great moments of the 2026 season.

A more open struggle than ever

With this fourth title of the season, Tapia and Coello consolidate their first place in the Race and achieve a second consecutive victory against Galán and Chingotto after their success at the Italian Major.

But behind this result lies a more nuanced reality.

The gap between the world's best pairs has never seemed so small in a long time. Galán and Chingotto still lead 4-3 in head-to-head matches this season. Sánchez and Ustero have just beaten the world's number 1 and number 4 players in succession. Fernández and Araújo have reached their first final together.

The circuit has never seemed so competitive.

Valencia can already rejoice

Beyond the results, this 2026 edition will be remembered above all as a huge popular success.

For a week, La Fonteta reclaimed its role as the padel capital. The stands were packed, the players praised the exceptional atmosphere, and the organizers succeeded in their goal: to put Valencia back on the calendar's must-attend events. Premier Padel.

After a four-year absence, the return of padel to Spain's third-largest city could not have been better scripted.

Between ecstatic crowds, rivalries, comebacks, revelations and suspenseful finales, the Valencia P1 2026 offered everything that modern padel is capable of producing at its best.

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 !