Alejandro galan , currently global 3 number , has long held the top spot in the ranking alongside Juan lebron , with whom he ended global 1 number three seasons in a row, from 2020 to 2022. A position he has not managed to regain since. He was nevertheless hoping to get closer to it after two consecutive titles in Miami et Santiago , but the domination of Wall et Coello continues to block his path.
One of the hot topics of the moment in the world of padel concerns precisely this association Galan / Chingotto , today second world pair . A solid pair, but which remains powerless against the world number 1 . Their last defeat in the final of the Brussels P2 face Tapia / Coello brings their series to 9 consecutive losses against the latter.
What is missing from Chingotto et Galan to cross this last level? Galan should he consider a new partner?
Let's analyze the options that could allow the Spaniard to return to the top and become again global 1 number .
Fede Chingotto: the continuity of a project
A separation between Galan et Chingotto does not seem to be on the agenda. The two players share excellent chemistry on and off the field. Together for just over a year, they are banking on the continuity of their common project with the stated objective: to win major titles and reach the world first place by the end of the season.
Galan is not accustomed to changing partners, he stayed with him for several years Lebron and the idea of separation doesn't even seem to be part of his current thoughts.
Since their association (following the separation with Lebron early 2024), Chingotto et Galan have won 7 tracks including two this season , And a Major last year. A very positive assessment, especially in a context where only five pairs managed to win a title in 2024.
However, faced with Wall et Coello , the results are worrying: 5 wins for 12 losses including 9 consecutive Their last success dates back to 7th July 2024 , When Genova P2 .
Chingotto stay on best right defensive player , providing stability and energy. However, he is sometimes limited in finishing points: in 2025, he produced fewer winning shots ( 14,3 salary. 15,3 in 2024) and a little more unforced errors ( 9,75 salary. 8,5 ). Their style of play, different from that of Tapia / Coello , raises questions.
mike yanguas
At 23 years, mike yanguas ( 7th in the world ) still has a lot of room for improvement. Revealed alongside Stupa Last season, he had a good start to the year with Coki Nieto , reaching 4 semi-finals in 5 tournaments .
Right-wing player with an imposing build ( 1m89 ), Yanguas offers a more offensive game than Chingotto , with better ability to close points ( 20,3 winning shots on average ). However, it remains more prone to errors, with 12,2 unforced errors , and his lack of experience in the final could represent a brake in a potential association with Galan .
This may be the most logical option to retain some defensive stability and versatility, while maintaining the 2nd world pair place .
paul cardona
The Spanish, currently 16th in the world , is one of the sensations of the season alongside Leo Augsburg Together they reached three quarter-finals and one semi-final in Riyadh, where they eliminated Galan et Chingotto in quarter, then the world number 1 in the round of 16 in Santiago.
This association brings together two very promising young players (20 years old each), with a style of play which is undoubtedly closest to that of the pair Tapia / Coello .
Coello himself declared: “They play like us, but with more power.”, While Wall acknowledged that it was one of the pairs that gave them the most problems this season.
Cardona therefore has the advantage of having beaten the world number 1 this year, and to have held his own in two other confrontations, in Qatar and Brussels. Another asset: he is left-handed, like Arturo Coello , which allows him to bring a rare and strategic profile. His game is focused on the offensive, based on aggression and taking the initiative. It is very difficult to take the serve and the net from him, and his smash power is formidable, especially on fast surfaces that favor him.
On a statistical level, Cardona displays on average 22 winning moves For about 15 unforced errors per match. The main question mark remains his ability to handle crucial moments, such as a final. But at only 20 years old, he has impressive room for improvement, given his already very high level of play.
A profile therefore very different from that of Chingotto , but which could agree with Galan in a more explosive and offensive style, similar to that of the pair Tapia / Coello This would be a tough pairing to face and a left-handed duo worth watching closely.
Tino Libaak
The 19-year-old Argentinian prodigy, currently 28th world player , confirmed his full potential at the start of the season alongside Juan Tello , including a quarter-final in Riyadh and a semi-final in Santiago before their separation.
Tino Libaak presents a very complete right-hand player profile. His viper exceptional ability allows him to excel both in defense and attack. Used to playing with offensive players on the left and excellent spikers like Augsburgers ou Tello , he also had the opportunity to learn alongside Fernando Belasteguin .
Despite his young age and relative lack of experience, Libaak has already experienced great moments on the professional circuit. He made two WPT finals in his debut, and was elected MVP of the 2024 World Cup Finals , winning the decisive point for the Argentina with Augsburgers This season he has also shown character in key moments, notably with Tello .
He is a player who tends to make his teammates shine. Juan Tello , for example, returned to his best level in 2025 alongside him — a strong sign of the potential of Tino Libaak as a partner.
Juan LeBron: the discarded option
Lebron (6th in the world) remains the highest ranked right-wing player behind Chingotto . But the option seems impossible, given the definitive break in the relationship between the two former number 1s. In addition, Lebron now flourishes alongside Stupa , forming a regular pair that disputes the number 2 place at Galan / Chingotto .
Continue or change?
No separation is planned between Galan et Chingotto , and for good reason: they have found a real complementarity and remain the second best pair in the world since 2024. With two titles This season, they confirm their status.
Corn (Mais) the gap with the number 1s is widening (10 points). If the trend does not reverse, Galan et Chingotto could become established permanently as the “eternal second”, like Lima / Mieres in their time.
Will their long-term plan hold up in the face of the frustration of defeats against Tapia / Coello ? The profile of players like Cardona or Yanguas could appeal to Galan, but for now, stability is paramount.
A big sports enthusiast and former tennis player, I discovered padel a few years ago without really focusing on it. Then I became addicted to this sport by practicing it and watching the premier padel matches. Looking forward to sharing the 2025 news with you!
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