First step in the very long program of the Year 2026  on the circuit  Premier Padel ,  Riyadh P1  already offers us very high-level performance, driven by  Unexpected pairs  and the first  quarter-finals  which are coming  explosives A look back at the day of  Wednesday marked in particular by the entry of  four seeded players in the women's draw. 

The Fairy Tale of Martinez / Valenzuela

Who would have bet on a quarter-final appearance in Riyadh?  Javier Martinez  et  Ramiro Valenzuela , respectively  70th and 85th world players  Probably not many people. Yet, those who qualified continue their incredible journey.

After causing a sensation in the round of 32 by eliminating  sanyo gutierrez  et  Gonzalo Alfonso Martinez and Valenzuela did it again. Facing off against  Manu Castano / Inigo Jofre They delivered a masterful performance. A clear victory in two sets, 6/4, 6/3, concluded by a spectacular comeback from Martinez, both feet behind the finish line, perfectly suited to the fast Saudi conditions.

A major achievement for the two underdogs, who have secured  a gala quarter-final  face  Eduardo Alonso  et  Juan Tello  (TS9) who have overcome  Martin Di Nenno  et  Momo Gonzalez ,  6/2, 4/6, 7/5.  

Chingalan and Lebron/Augsburger cruise to victory, another tense match for Coello/Tapi

Among the favorites, the hierarchy was generally respected.

 Chingotto / Galan  imposed their rhythm against  Garcia / Barahona  6-3, 6-2, in a perfectly controlled match. Same scenario for  Juan lebron  et  Leo Augsburg , solid despite a closer second set against  Chozas / Libaak  6/1, 7/6.

Chingalan at P1 of Riyadh

However, a new alert for  Coello / Tapia After their difficult start against  Blanqué / Guichard The world's number ones once again had to work hard against  Bautista / Campagnolo Two tie-breaks, a lot of intensity, and a 7-6, 7-6 victory, even saving two set points in the second set. Their pairing remains formidable, but their level of play is still a question mark at this early stage of the season.

The other men's results from the round of 16

  • Yanguas / Stupaczuk vs Ruiz / Esbri:  7 / 5, 6 / 2 
  • Navarro/Guerrero vs. Perino/Piotto:  6 / 4, 7 / 6 
  • Garrido / Bergamini vs. Aguirre / Arroyo:  6 / 3, 6 / 2 

No quarter-final for Godallier/Marchetti, Gonzalez/Josemaria make their debuts

In the ladies,  Léa Godallier  et  Giorgia Marchetti  failed to overcome the obstacle  Tamara Icardo  /  Claudia jensen . Beaten  6 / 2, 6 / 2 , the players of  TC Bandol  They nevertheless leave Riyadh with a valuable haul of points for the rest of the season.

 Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea , back after a  2025 is an exceptional year , made a perfectly controlled entrance against  Fassio / Llaguno  6/3, 6/3.

For their first outings of the year, the new flagship pairs of the women's circuit all passed their baptism of fire.  Bea Gonzalez  et  Paula Josemaria , victorious over  Canovas / Rodriguez  6/3, 6/2, while  Ari Sanchez and Andrea Ustero  had to work hard in a more tense second set against  Talavan / Saiz  6/0, 7/6.

Gonzalez Josemaria at P1 in Riyadh

The other women's results from the round of 16

  • Fernandez / Araujo vs. Martinez / Orsi:  7 / 5, 6 / 3 
  • Ortega / Calvo vs Caldera / Goenaga:  6 / 0, 6 / 4 
  • Salazar / Alonso vs Arruabarrena / Lobo:  6 / 2, 6 / 1 
  • Iglesias / Osoro vs Guinart / Virseda:  7/6, 1/6, 6/3 

A day rich in lessons, between expected confirmations, solid beginnings of new associations and, above all, the spectacular emergence of a pair from the qualifiers in the men's draw.  Riyadh has made a perfect start to the 2026 season. 

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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