Federico Chingotto and Alejandro Galán won the Pretoria P1 tournament after an exceptional final against Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero. Down one set apiece and pushed to a third-set tiebreak, the world number twos ultimately relied on their experience to clinch victory in a nail-biting finish (6-2, 5-7, 7-6). A perfect ending to a truly wild week in South Africa. 

Chingalán unfolds in the first act

The first set quickly became a one-sided affair. Dominant on their service games, Federico Chingotto and Alejandro Galán stifled their opponents from the very first exchanges.

The difference came very early. At 2-1, a Galán in inspired form made a series of exceptional blocks, turning dangerous situations into counter-attacking opportunities. This sequence allowed them to break away and definitively take control of the set.

On the other side, Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero displayed an unusual side of themselves. The two childhood friends, so consistent throughout the tournament, committed numerous unforced errors and never managed to impose the rhythm that had allowed them to eliminate the world number ones. The result: a first set perfectly controlled by Chingalán, which they won.  6/2 .

Chingalán returns to the top after an epic final against Leal and Guerrero

The revolt of the two childhood friends

But the final completely changed its complexion from the start of the second set.

Aware that they belonged at this level, Leal and Guerrero returned to the court with a completely different attitude. Fran Guerrero, transformed compared to his start to the season alongside Paquito Navarro, delivered a top-level performance. More incisive, with excellent decision-making and particularly solid at the net, he perfectly fulfilled his role.

This surge in form allowed Javi Leal to fully express himself. Better served by the rallies, the Andalusian was finally able to receive the lobs he needed to unleash his devastating smashes. Match after match, he confirms why he is one of the most spectacular players on the circuit when he gains confidence.

At 5-5, the underdogs struck at the perfect moment, securing the decisive break before closing out the set.  7/5  on their implementation.

A reaction full of character that completely revives this final and confirms once again that this P1 in Pretoria never ceases to offer stunning scenarios.

Chingalán returns to the top after an epic final against Leal and Guerrero

A nail-biting tie-break to conclude a historic week

The third set offered a completely crazy scenario.

While Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero seemed to be holding their own against the world number 2s until the very end, Federico Chingotto and Alejandro Galán thought they had done the hard part by breaking serve.  5-4 And so they are now serving for the title.

But this week, it took much more to break the two Spaniards. True to the mindset that had carried them throughout the tournament, Leal and Guerrero immediately broke back to force a decisive tie-break.

A decisive game that mirrored this final: breathless.

The underdogs kept Chingalán on his toes for a long time. The world number 2s earned their first match point, which was calmly saved by Leal and Guerrero. A few exchanges later, the two childhood friends had their own match point, a chance to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season, but Chingotto and Galán held firm.

After a tense finish, Federico Chingotto and Alejandro Galán finally made the difference and won.  9-7 in the third set tiebreak , at the end of an exceptional final.

Chingalán returns to the top after an epic final against Leal and Guerrero

Pretoria ends in a blaze of glory

This first edition of  Pretoria P1  will remain one of the season's defining tournaments. Day after day, surprises and stunning comebacks unfolded, culminating in a triumphant finale with  two finals won in three sets, both decided by a tie-break in the deciding set .

The South African public is not likely to forget this week.

For Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto, this success also has a special flavor. After losing  four of their last five finals And here they are, back on the top step of the podium. Their last victory dates back to...  Buenos Aires P1 in May.

On the other side, Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero leave Pretoria without a trophy, but with immense gratitude. Their journey will remain etched in memory: winners of  Leo Augsburger and Juan Lebrón , then conquerors of the world number 1  Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia , bringing their incredible run of finals to an end.

On the verge of also overtaking Chingotto and Galán, the two lifelong friends came incredibly close to a monumental achievement: winning their first title. Premier Padel by successively beating the three best pairs in the world.

The fairytale ended just short of victory. The disappointment will be immense, but one thing is certain: Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero have reached a new level. With the level of play they displayed throughout the week, they will be serious contenders for the biggest titles by the end of the season.  Thank you Pretoria!  

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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