The argentinian Federico Chingotto, first winner of the Miami Premier Padel with his teammate Alejandro Galán, shared an Argentinian meal with Ana Quiles to beIN Sports USA after his victory at Miami P1In it, he reveals the secret of his success, his hobbies and his favorite football team.

His education and his hobby

Native Buenos Aires, Fede Chingotto tells us about different aspects of his life, including his education and the phrase that inspires him every day, instilled in him by his parents, who were there Miami for his coronation:

“I have a phrase that my parents instilled in me from a very young age. I was fortunate to receive a very good education and to be well-behaved. On my bedroom door, there was a phrase that I keep in mind every day: 'Always try to be the best, but without believing yourself to be superior.' This is what I apply in every training session and in my daily life.”

Dubbed “The Rat”, Chingotto then talks about his passion and favorite pastime outside of the padel courts:

“I love fishing! Madrid, I go to lakes, rivers… It’s my escape. I’m a very nervous person, but fishing relaxes me. It also allows me to not be attached to my phone and enjoy nature.”

Passionate about football and a fervent supporter of the Argentinian selection, he also takes the journalist to taste a traditional meal at Liberty Grill, an Argentinian restaurant in Miami decorated in the colors of Argentine football. Among the posters or jerseys of emblematic players, a sign of Lionel Messi is present at the entrance: he stops to say a prayer and calls him “God”.

“I am an absolute fan ofOsasuna, I shout as if I've been a fan my whole life. But in reality, it's mostly thanks to Fantasy Football. My father instilled in me the love of Real Madrid. "

His dream of reaching the top level

Born in Olavarria, a city located 400 km from Buenos Aires, Chingotto has always dreamed of becoming a professional padel player. Today, he occupies the third place in the world, with over 150 matches played en Premier Padel and sixth title picked up at Miami.

“I was a kid from Olavarría who dreamed of reaching the highest level of world padel. Today, I've achieved a lot, but I'm still hungry. My goal is to be number one, and I hope one day I can say that I've achieved it. If not, at least I'll have given it my all.”

His 2024 season is impressive, as is that of his duo with Alejandro Galán. Since their association in early 2024, they have won six titles, disputed ten finals and climbed to the second place in the world, behind their rivals, Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia, which count fifteen titles in 2024. A real rivalry has developed between the two pairs, giving birth to a “Classic” in the end of Premier Padel.

“Last year, we fought hard against them. At one point, we thought we'd found the key, but they were able to show why they're number one. They've improved enormously. What they've shown over the last two years is exceptional padel.”

The Argentine selection

En 2024, Chingotto has also been crowned world champion with theargentinian national team, playing a crucial role in earning Argentina's first point in the final, after a defeat in the Argentines' first match (Stupaczuk / Di Nenno). A vital victory achieved alongside his great rival of the season, Agustín Tapia.

“It's something that characterizes Argentines. In team competitions, we're all brothers, we pull in the same direction. Agus is a very good friend. During the year, we're rivals, but in the national team, we forget all that and play together. It's a unique experience.”

Chingotto Tapia World Cup 2024

As a padel enthusiast, Chingotto grew up watching the legends of this sport, most of whom are from his country, Argentina. But who is his idol?

“My example has always been Fernando Belasteguín. But my idol is Maxi Grabiel, who is now a coach. The first time I met him, I couldn't believe it. He was someone I watched on TV, and one day, he was in front of me.”

And to end this interview in style:

“As good Argentinians, we have dulce de leche crepes!”

Nicolas Fillaudeau

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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