Alejandro Galán is preparing for a new season alongside Federico Chingotto. In an interview with Relief, he looks back on his preparation, the developments in padel and the challenges ahead.

A different pre-season with Chingotto

Galán explains that he has modified his physical and technical approach for this season: “I feel lighter. We decided to be less strong to move better on the track. A full pre-season with Fede was necessary, both on the field and physically. Our first test at the Reserve Cup was good.”

The expansion of padel in the United States

He also returns to his participation in the Reserve Cup, an event that aims to popularize padel in America: “It’s an interesting project. I don’t participate in all the events, but this one has real potential to reach a wider audience in the United States.”

Regarding the choice ofArturo Coello to settle in Miami, he understands this decision, but prefers to stay in Spain: “I understand his choice, it is a logical decision for the development of the sport. Personally, I like my life in Spain and having my family close by, but it is an interesting professional opportunity.”

Table reduction, a divisive subject

With the reform of Premier Padel, the number of players in the final table decreases, which causes tensions: “This is not a reform that satisfies everyone. It was probably necessary to not increase the promoters' costs too much, but the lower-ranked players find themselves in a complicated situation. There should be more intermediate tournaments for them.”

The debate on the golden point and the single service

Galán takes a clear position against the gold point, preferring the classic format with advantage:
“I like the tension of the advantage game. I don't think it really changes the length of the matches, but I understand why some people want to make the game faster.”

On the idea of ​​a single service, he appears more open:
“I don’t mind this option. I’m used to playing with a second serve, but why not.”

The different surfaces in padel?

Padel is mostly played on synthetic carpet, but the idea of ​​integrating other surfaces is controversial: “That could make sense, but the clubs still need to have these surfaces so that we can train. I saw tournaments on clay in Argentina, and it was not optimal. In padel, the reaction distance is short, so a bad bounce can change everything.”

A very open 2025 circuit

With several new pairs, Galán remains cautious: “On paper, all the pairs are solid. But we will have to see how they adapt and if they find a good alchemy.”

Concerning Tapia and Coello, he explains their approach: “We worked a lot on technical adjustments and on the physical. Arturo and Agustín are very demanding to face, but before thinking about them, we have to focus on all the stages of the tournaments.”

His role after the presidency of the Players' Association

Galán played a key role in the transition of the World Padel Tour toward Premier Padel, but today he prefers to focus on the competition: “It was a great responsibility, but I had to refocus on the sport. I continue to follow the evolution of padel and support the players, but my main objective remains the competition.”

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 !

On the same subject

Tags