It's a small earthquake in the world of padel. Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia were beaten this Saturday in Miami P1 semi-final by Franco Stupaczuk and Juan Lebrón (6/4 6/4). A setback that puts an end to a 300-day streak without a single defeat in a P1 category tournament.
We must go back to the 26 May 2024, When Mar Del Plata P1, to find the trace of a defeat of Coello and Tapia in a P1 tournament. That day, they had lost to Chingotto and Galán in the final (6/2 2/6 2/6).
Since then, the number 1s have followed suit 8 consecutive P1 titles, including that of Riyadh this season:
With 8 titles out of their last 9 P1s, Coello and Tapia displayed a form of supremacy that few pairs had managed to shake up... until this Miami P1.
From the start of the tournament, Agustín Tapia appeared far from his best, visibly bothered by persistent pain in his right hand or wrist. Wearing blue adhesive strips meant to relieve it, the Argentinian never found his rhythm, multiplied the direct errors and was unable to express himself in his attacking game.
Facing them, Stupaczuk and Lebrón have rolled out a perfectly executed game plan : long game on Tapia, precise lobs, high pace and lightning transitions. The Spanish-Argentine pair, full of confidence, dominated the match tactically and mentally, and never let the number 1s impose their tempo.
With this defeat, Tapia and Coello see their incredible winning streak end, and doubt now hangs over their presence at Santiago P1, which begins this week. If the package has not yet been made official, caution could be advised for preserve Tapia's wrist.
This defeat also marks the first P1 final without Coello and Tapia in 10 tournaments. In their absence, Ale Galán and Fede Chingotto will face Juan Lebrón and Franco Stupaczuk this Sunday, in a unprecedented and explosive finale.
Stupa and Lebrón are in their third consecutive final, and will try to get their second title of the seasonOne thing is certain: with three pairs at the top, The race for the throne promises to be more open and exciting than ever.