The Brussels P2 final has once again highlighted a reality that is becoming difficult to deny: Galan and Chingotto, however brilliant they may be, seem to have reached a glass ceiling in the face of the steamroller Coello / Tapia. While the duo “Chingalan” continues to deliver solid performances, the step to beat the number 1s still seems too high.

A situation that strangely recalls that experienced by Gemma Triay few months ago. Gem, after her separation from Alejandra Salazar, thought she could stay at the top with Marta Ortega and then Claudia Fernández. But despite good results, she realizes that she is missing something to truly aim for the throne. That's when she takes a risk: call Delfi Brea, and very quickly, their partnership bore fruit. Today, they are closer than ever to dethroning Ariana Sánchez and Paula Josemaría.

Gallant finds himself in a similar scenario. He knows that Chingotto is one of the best possible partners on the defensive side, but also that this association, despite its regularity (almost always in the final), is not enough to make Coello and Tapia tremble over the course of a season. Their style of play, based on long rallies, patience, and perfect coverage, is perfect for stifling the majority of the circuit, but not for overthrowing the current leaders of world padel.

The big difference? Galán doesn't have "his Delfi" available. The most natural option, Juan Lebrón, appears today to be ruled out for personal reasons.

Moreover, beating Tapia and Coello today supposes, play like them, impose a fast, explosive game on them, with few exchanges and a constant threat to smash. A style that Galán, without an ultra-offensive right-wing player alongside him, cannot yet fully apply.

Cardona: Hope for the future?

In this context, many are beginning to believe that Galán is patient, waiting for paul cardona, young hope and true phenomenon of power, mature his game to take a new gamble. Cardona, with his rare offensive profile, could embody the ideal duo to challenge Coello and Tapia on their home turf: power, verticality, and constant aggression.

But this hypothesis implies patience, because Cardona, as promising as he is, is not yet quite ready to dominate at the highest level.

In short

Galán and Chingotto form a magnificent team, capable of beating anyone... except perhaps the number 1s. And in this modern padel where power and speed of execution are king, Galán may ultimately have to make a difficult choice to maintain his ambitions for the throne.

In the meantime, “Chingalan” continues to delight with his commitment and fighting spirit. But the big question remains: until when ?

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 !

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