Coello/Tapia killed the suspense: what's the point of watching?

In the professional circuit , it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine a final without Coello / Tapia ou Chingotto / Galan . If this rivalry at the top is of an exceptional level, it gradually stifles the overall interest in tournaments Of course, every competition starts with its share of hopes, but reality quickly comes knocking: Coello and Tapia, when at 100%, seem unstoppable. .

And yet, their invincibility is not total. They do fall, but rarely because their opponents outmatch them. Most often, it is a drop in performance, severe fatigue, a small injury, a “hole in the racket”, in one or the other, which opens a breach . Because when this Spanish-Argentine pair is well adjusted, she “kills the game” .

A duel at the top… and the void behind

Fortunately, Galan and Chingotto can sometimes play spoilsport. But let's be honest: The gap between the world's top pair and the rest is abysmal , and even the 2nd pair of the circuit seems, at times, overwhelmed. We are witnessing a almost unprecedented imbalance in the recent history of men's padel.

Since when have Coello and Tapia been partners?

Deceptive competition

We often hear that competition has never been so fierce . It's true... and false. Yes, there is more nations represented , more professionals beyond the top 20, and talent from all over the world. The level there is incredible. But the closer you get to the top, the more the level gaps appear to be widening . And that's a real problem for the attractiveness of sport .

Lebrón to Coello: "Don't listen to those who say you are harming padel"

Because it is these matches, the finals, the semi-finals, which are televised and awaited by the public . And this audience needs uncertainty, suspense, reversals. By dint of overwhelming domination , even the most beautiful padel can become dull , or even… boring .

A feeling of déjà vu... in tennis

This phenomenon recalls the period Federer / Nadal / Djokovic in tennis. Legends, of course, but tournaments where the semi-finals were almost known in advance. Today, in padel, Coello/Tapia vs. Chingotto/Galán , it has become the equivalent.

Worse, we actually have the impression of reliving the era Fernando Belasteguin / Juan Martín Díaz salary. Pablo Lima / Juani Mieres : unshakeable kings, facing eternal seconds who are rarely strong enough to dethrone them.

Outsiders… condemned to feat

We want to believe in Stupa / Lebron , or to young people like Augsburger / Cardona (who separate), capable of brilliant feats. But When they win, we talk about the “heist of the century” . This is not a good sign. The exception becomes the norm of emotion , and that is not enough to keep the flame alive among the general public.

Fortunately, the level of play is fabulous . Seeing these stars in action remains a pleasure. But in terms of suspense, sports drama , the circuit lacks relief. And fans may get bored , as is already the case for part of the female public.

Women's padel, still too ignored

The women's circuit is nevertheless of an increasingly high level, with very interesting matches to watch . But public interest remains very low on Premier Padel Visibility, broadcasts, media coverage... everything remains to be built.

A cruel lack of diversity

Another key point: the lack of national variety We remain in a duel Spain – Argentina , and this hinders the globalization of padel. To create real international rivalries, leaders are needed in every country .

And the French in all this?

Alix Collombon , with Araceli Martínez , continue to fight courageously for Breaking the world top 20 . If she succeeds, it will not be just the beginning of a beautiful story for French padel.

More in the men's category, the absence of Thomas Leygue — injured — left France without a representative in the world top 100 even if, at the Race, Bastien Blanqué is there. But this environment remains a very negative signal for the French public, who need of identification and national pride to get excited.

Certainly, several French people are on the verge of the top 100 , but the general public wants surprises, victories, heroes visible in big matches . Not just promises.

We've strayed a bit from the original theme. But simply put, we're really hoping to see more suspense on all fronts in the future.

Et as long as Coello and Tapia continue to dictate their law , the circuit may lose part of one's competitive soul . Spectacular, yes. But unpredictable? Not yet.

An opinion ?

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.