The Pretoria P1 finals perfectly encapsulated the South African week. For several hours, the circuit's rising stars kept the favorites on their toes. Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero in the men's draw, and Claudia Fernández and Martina Calvo in the women's, came incredibly close to a resounding victory. But in the final moments, the experience of Chingotto, Galán, Triay, and Brea proved decisive. 

Leal and Guerrero have proven that they have moved to a different level

They did not lift the trophy, but their tournament will remain one of the great lessons of this first edition of the Pretoria P1.

Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero have confirmed that they are now among the pairs capable of beating anyone. After eliminating the  world number 3 , then brought an end to the impressive run of finals of Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia The two Andalusians pushed Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto into their corners.

Yet, nothing foreshadowed such a scenario. In the first set, Fran Guerrero accumulated unforced errors (12 according to match statistics) while Galán and Chingotto played their game to win 6/2.

But the Spanish team completely transformed. Guerrero regained his composure and dictated the tempo, while Leal played with fearless attacking intent, never hesitating to challenge Galán at the net. Their level of play returned to the form that had allowed them to eliminate the best pairs in the world.

They leveled the match at one set apiece, even earning a match point in the decisive tie-break, before finally succumbing.

After a suspenseful finish, Chingotto and Galán's experience made the difference in the most important moments.

Pretoria P1 – Chingalán returns to the top after an epic final against Leal and Guerrero

Claudia Fernández and Martina Calvo, an already impressive partnership

The situation is similar for women.

In their very first tournament together, Claudia Fernández and Martina Calvo almost pulled off a huge upset against the world number 1s.

Beaten  6/2 6/7 7/6  Despite being defeated by Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea, the two Spanish players leave Pretoria with immense credit. Martina Calvo, only 18 years old, impressed with her maturity and her ability to compete with Gemma Triay in the most intense moments. As for Claudia Fernández, she confirmed that she already possesses the skill of the best players on the circuit despite her young age.

The two Spanish women even served for the match before seeing the world leaders come back, then show their experience in the decisive tie-break.

Pretoria P1 – Triay and Brea crowned champions after a nail-biting finish, Fernandez and Calvo confirm their immense potential

A week that confirms the renewal of the circuit

Beyond the titles won by Chingotto, Galán, Triay and Brea, Pretoria will have above all highlighted a new generation ready to shake up the hierarchy.

Leal, Guerrero, Calvo and Fernández have demonstrated that they can now compete with the top names on the circuit at the biggest events.

While the most experienced players once again had the final say in South Africa, the gap is narrowing with each tournament. And if Pretoria has provided one major lesson, it is undoubtedly this: the next generation is no longer a promise, it is already a reality.

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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