Tino Libaak and Álex Chozas' victory over Marcos González and Martín Abud to reach the round of 32 of the Málaga P1 tournament did little to quell the questions surrounding the Argentinian pair. Despite their qualification, the two players still had to battle for three sets in a match they seemed capable of controlling more comfortably.

A performance that ultimately sums up their partnership quite well: obvious potential, some very high-level sequences, but too little continuity to truly establish themselves among the best pairs on the circuit.

Chozas, capable of both the spectacular and the self-effacement

Álex Chozas possesses undeniable talent. When he plays freely and the match unfolds in his favor, the Argentinian can produce exceptional shots and turn a rally around with his sheer creativity.

But when the game becomes more cagey, when he has to accept defending, building attacks, and winning points without playing brilliantly, his attitude can sometimes give an impression of nonchalance. Against González and Abud, Chozas again alternated between flashes of brilliance and much more neutral spells.

The problem, therefore, isn't his ability to play padel, but his capacity to maintain the same level of commitment when things aren't going well. At this level, talent wins points; consistency and intensity win matches consistently.

A Libaak that is gradually becoming isolated

This inconsistency directly impacted Tino Libaak. The young Argentinian sometimes found himself isolated in the construction of the point, with the feeling of having to cover more ground and maintain the intensity of the pair alone.

As Chozas's presence waned, González and Abud began to gain confidence. The underdogs sensed an opportunity and hung on, forcing a third set that seemed avoidable.

Libaak and Chozas ultimately managed to secure the crucial points to ensure the expected outcome, but their performance further highlighted the lack of emotional connection between the two players. When one faced a difficult period, the other didn't always seem able to revive him.

A pair that probably wasn't made to last

On paper, the partnership certainly had a lot going for it. Libaak brings his defensive quality, speed, game reading, and ability to orchestrate attacks with considerable offensive firepower. Chozas possesses more creativity and can control the game from the left flank.

But a partnership isn't built solely on the sum of two technical profiles. It also relies on communication, trust, and the ability to get through difficult times together.

From this perspective, Libaak and Chozas never really seemed to be operating within the same dynamic. Their separation after the Málaga P1 therefore appears less as a surprise than as the logical outcome of a partnership that never found its true identity.

Will Barahona be able to mobilize Chozas?

Javi Barahona will now be Álex Chozas's new partner. An interesting partnership from a sporting perspective, but one that will quickly raise the same question: how to get the best version of the Argentinian player over the long term?

Barahona will obviously need to demonstrate a strong mentality. But above all, he will need to motivate Chozas, keep him involved, and help him accept the sequences where efficiency is key before trying to be spectacular.

Because Álex Chozas' challenge is no longer simply to demonstrate his talent. The entire circuit already knows that. He must now prove that he is capable of putting that talent at the service of a collective project, with the same high standards in good times and bad.

It is probably on this condition that his next association will be able to truly take a step forward.

Antoine Tricolet

I discovered the Padel I stumbled into Spain at a campsite. I was instantly hooked; passionate about padel, I follow international and regional news with the same excitement as the sport itself.

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