It has become a habit in Italy: Ale Galan and Juan Lebron will once again face off on the central court of the Foro Italico. Since their sudden separation in early 2024, the BNL Italy Major seems to be the preferred venue for their often electric reunions.

The Spaniard and the Andalusian had won everything together. In just over four seasons, more than thirty titles, including the very first Major played in Rome, and an unchallenged domination on the world circuit. But the duo exploded, victim in particular of Lebron's outbursts of temper, pushing Galan to draw a line under this alliance... and perhaps also their friendship.

A breakup that leaves its mark

The breakup was anything but discreet. Quite the opposite. In a recent interview, Galan didn't hesitate to rekindle tensions: "Juan says it wasn't the right time to split up? I agree... I should have left sooner." A statement that speaks volumes about the depth of the malaise.

Since their separation, The two men have already faced each other four times, and the results are clear: four victories for Galan, each time alongside Federico Chingotto (in Genoa, Roland-Garros, Milan and Miami). Lebron, for his part, changed partners three times (Navarro, Di Nenno, Stupaczuk) without ever managing to reverse the trend. He only won one set in these four confrontations… the very first.

Two opposing trajectories

On a sporting level, post-breakup trajectories could not be more contrastingGalan, now associated with Chingotto, continues to shine: five titles in 2024, including Rome, and already three additional trophies in the first half of the 2025 season.

LeBron, on the other hand, is struggling to regain his former glory. He has only two tournament wins since the split, both achieved in the absence of the main headliners: in Finland with Di Nenno in 2024, then in Cancun this year with Stupaczuk. Not enough for a player accustomed to the top.

A revenge much more than a semi-final

The duel scheduled for this Saturday in Rome, in the semi-final of the BNL Italy Major, promises to be a match that goes well beyond the sporting stakes. For Lebron, it's not just about a spot in the finals: it's a opportunity to wash away the affront, to reset the counters, and to remind his former accomplice that he has not said his last word.

World padel will hold its breath. Because in Rome, it's not just galan vs lebron. This is the story of a broken duo, of a lost friendship, and of a rivalry that is only just beginning.

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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