Une nouvelle controversy bursts around Juan lebron following the final of World Padel Championships. In the second decisive match of this final, Lebron, alongsideAlejandro galan, faced Agustin Tapia et Federico ChingottoThis match was crucial for the Spanish team, because a victory would have crowned them 2024 world champion au Qatar.

At a key moment in the match, with Tapia and Chingotto leading 1 set to 0 and Galan and Lebron dominating 4/2 (40-15) in the second set, an incident occurs. On an insufficiently supported smash from Lebron, Tapia performs a backhand counter-smash directly on him. Lebron, in defensive position, struggles to return the blow.

However, when defending this ball, a ball falls out of lebron's left pocket, automatically leading to a flight : the point is replayed.

At the time, this event goes unnoticed, but upon reviewing replays of the game, some observers suggest that LeBron may have intentionally dropped the ball to interrupt the point. The footage seems to work against him: we see his hand approaching his pocket just before he hits the ball, suggesting a voluntary act. This gesture, perceived as contrary to thesportsmanship, rekindles tensions around Lebron, already controversial in the world of padel.

In the videos, Chingotto and Tapia are staring at Lebron at the moment of the incident. Did they notice his gesture? Fede Chingotto seems to shake his head, indicating some disapproval. After the point was interrupted, the two Argentines visibly show signs of frustration and annoyance. Why didn't they protest? Probably to avoid creating more tension, when they were dominating the match.

This incident recalls a similar episode that occurred in the world of tennis with Hugo gaston. Gaston had also dropped a ball from his pocket during a rally to obtain a let and replay the point. The sanction was immediate: a fine of 77 euros for unsportsmanlike behaviorHis gesture sparked a debate on sports ethics.

LeBron could face a similar sanction if the International Federation of Padel (FIP) considers his gesture voluntary. The severity of the sanction will probably depend on precedents and the policy of tolerance of the padel authorities in the face of this type of behavior.

As for Alejandro Galan, who recently broke up with Lebron due to his bad behavior, he must probably see this situation as confirmation of his decision. A single duo meeting with Lebron was enough to rekindle the controversy around his competitive attitude.

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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