In the continuation of his interview with El Chiringuito, Juan Lebrón returns to the background of his separation from Alejandro Galán. Between silences, injuries, unilateral decisions, and tension within the national team, the Andalusian player delivers his candid truth.

A broken relationship at the top of world padel

They formed one of the most dominant pairs of the history of modern padel. Together, Lebrón and Galán were world number 1, chained victories and marked the circuit with their explosive style. But over time, their understanding deteriorated, until a abrupt break in 2023.

“It was an incredible three years in sport. I am very grateful to Galán… sportily ", Lebrón immediately clarifies, insisting on the distinction with their human relationship.

"But personally, I'm a little hurt. We could have done things in a more adult way."

Behind the facade of the podiums, tensions were real, particularly regarding the behavior and communication between the two men.

"I think I was too demanding. It's my fault. I always wanted to go further."

A wound… and emptiness

It was during the year 2023 that everything changed. Juan Lebrón was the victim of a serious forearm injury, which kept him away from the circuit for more than four months.

"I was unable to grip a racket. I was suffering physically and mentally. And at that moment, I received no message from Galán. No call. Nothing.

"He could have sent me a simple 'How are you?' After everything we've been through together. But no."

A total lack of contact that leaves deep traces.

"We played together for four years. And when I fell, he wasn't there. That's what I remember."

A separation in three minutes

The breakup is made official after the Roland-Garros tournament. And according to Lebrón, she was also cold and expeditious.

“He called me. Three minutes. He told me he wanted to quit. The next day, we had a second call, five minutes. And that was it.”

No face-to-face discussion. No in-depth explanation. A method that Lebrón judges unfair :

"We deserved better. We shared too much to end up like this."

The case of the World Championship: Lebrón's decision

Au Padel World Cup, while Spain has to play a final, Lebrón makes a strong decision: suggest to Galán to play together again to represent their country.

"I was the one who went to him. He didn't believe it. I told him: 'Let's go, let's do it for Spain.'"

Their understanding on the pitch is good. But during the post-match interviews, Galán says the decision came from the staff, which Lebrón strongly disputes.

"That's not true. I was the one who went to see him. It hurt me that he didn't recognize him."

He also recalls a moment of unity in the locker room:

"I even passed him a slice of pizza. Everyone applauded. The atmosphere was good. But once again, he didn't recognize the gesture »

The gradual deterioration of the relationship

According to Lebrón, the first cracks in their relationship date back to 2022, despite an exceptional season.

"That year, we won 14 tournaments. We dominated. But he was already starting to be elsewhere. Very involved in the players' association. Less present."

The Andalusian player speaks of a personal estrangement that is difficult to ignore.

"I told him one day, 'You say we're friends, but I expect something else from a friend.' I think I hurt his feelings."

"There was pride on both sides. We never had a real discussion. That's my biggest regret."

Today, communication seems to have broken down. The two men live in 300 meters apart in Madrid, but no longer intersect.

"I'd be willing to talk. But he won't come. And I'm not going to force it either."

A truth killed for too long

For Lebrón, this interview is also an opportunity to finally give his version facts.

“For months, I was criticized. But no one knew my truth. Today, I’m telling it. And I have nothing to hide.”

To watch the video in Spanish:

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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