August marks the middle of the season for padel, an opportunity to take stock of the first half of the year. Several events marked the start of the 2023 season: the undisputed domination of Coello/Tapia, unexpected changes of partners, the absence of a title for Lebron and Galan.

However, one moment in particular caught our attention at the start of the year: the incident between Lebron/Galan and Coello/Tapia in Chile. Let's go back to one of the highlights of this year 2023.

What happened ?

"A monumental shelter error“, “unheard of in the padel”, “amazement and consternation concerning the attitude of the numbers 1”. This is the event that caused a lot of ink to flow during this first part of the season.

Contextualization: March 19, 2023, in the Club Deportivo Universidad Católica in Chile, it was the long-awaited final between the kings of the Lebron / Galan circuit against the pair of the moment Coello / Tapia. The latter then lead a zero and 5/3 set in the second set, and serve for the match.

Act 1, the point of contention: at 30/A, “King Arturo” achieves a winning smash which crashes to the back of the court. The trajectory of the ball is so fast that it is difficult to discern whether it first hits the glass or the ground. However, after observing the slow motion and taking into account the bounce of the ball, it is obvious that the ball is very good. Coello and Tapia do not show their joy, but there is no doubt: spectators, commentators and even the other players are unanimous, Coello's ball is good.

Act 2, an incomprehensible decision : we then think that Coello and Tapia have two title shots but curiously, the match referee announces a score of 30/40. Surprisingly, no one reacted to this announcement. The poster of World Padel Tour initially shows a score of 40/30, but is corrected a few moments later to show the score of 30/40.

Act 3, consternation: behind, the “Mozart de Catamarca” and “King Arturo” win the point. Public innovation stand, the two players embrace, Lebron has his hands on his hips, at this precise moment, Coello and Tapia then think of winning their third title of the season. However, Honorio Garcia, the referee of the meeting, announces a “punto de oro”. Indeed, the arbitrator, who will later admit his mistake, originally announced a score of 30/40. Therefore, there were not two match points, but two break points for Lebron and Galan.

Act 4, unhealthy opportunism : in a later interview, Ale Galan confesses that he actually heard the referee's announcement. Coello and Tapia, furious and frustrated, find themselves in a state of total confusion. The men led by Manu Martin fail to influence the referee's decision. A point was played after the disputed point, which makes it impossible to use the video for an appeal.

Like a gift fallen from the sky, Galan and Lebron seize this opportunity and win the “punto de oro”, thus returning to a score of 5/4.

Act 5, the set of shame : as if fate had decided so, “El Lobo” and “Galantico” manage to win the round, thus equalizing to a set everywhere in spite of the whistles of the public. Lebron acted as a peacemaker to ease tensions with the public. The attitude of the kings of the circuit is debated. Both players chose to accept an incorrect call instead of returning the point to their opponents.

Manu martin chile

Act 6, the victory of sport "This match, you will win it twice,“Manu Martin's words resonate in the minds of Coello and Tapia. The Hispano-Argentinian pair rebels in the deciding round, galvanized by the encouragement of the public, and ends up winning 6/4 6/7 7/5 by saving a match point.

As we told you in March, it's a “triple victory” for Coello Tapia, twice on the court and once in the minds of everyone, including those of Galan and Lebron.

Tapia-cri-chili

"The will to win", this image of Agustin Tapia deeply marked us. Although he remained calm at the moment of victory, the “Mozart de Catamarca” let his joy burst out with a shrill cry. At this precise moment, the two players signed a third consecutive victory over the World Padel Tour, consolidating their status as the “pair of the moment”.

That night, Lebron and Galan didn't lose their number one status, but they certainly lost their credibility in the eyes of the world. padel.

A defeat with serious consequences

galan lebron apology forgiveness chile

Much more than a simple defeat, it is the reputation of the number 1 that raises questions. In Paraguay, in Vigo and even in Copenhagen, Lebron and Galan are welcomed by particular reactions. Constantly, the kings of the circuit wipe the boos of the public. They will still manage to play a final in Vigo.

Also on social media, video replays reveal that 'El Lobo' and 'Galantico' were wrong, highlighting the Spaniards' unsportsmanlike attitude. Galan will confide later in an interview to have been affected by the hurtful criticism he had to endure.

juan lebron lesion injury

Like a twist of fate “El Lobo” injured his elbow in Denmark sidelined him for nearly two months. To keep up the pace, Ale Galan then decides to associate with the young Jon Sanz for four tournaments. Together they will make a quarter-final, two semi-finals and a final (Valencia).

Lebron and Galan reunite on the pitch at the BNL Italy Major in Rome. However, in the quarter-finals, FIP number 1s are swept 6/1 6/3 by Yanguas and Bela. Still in search of their first title of the season, “El Lobo” and “Galantico” fail to find their rhythm. While a few months ago they seemed to have a clear lead over their opponents, today, they are relegated to the status of the third world pair.

Lebron Galan journalist interview 2023

Lebron, for his part, is having difficulty regaining his level. In Madrid, the Andalusian said he was going through a complicated period. Although the duo are starting to find some feeling lately, it is difficult for him to get closer to the best current pairs: Di Nenno / Stupaczuk and Coello / Tapia. Currently, the Superpibes (5) and the new kings of the circuit (13) are the only pairs to have triumphed in all 18 major tournaments of the season.

Lebron and Galan want to catch up with the leading wagon but also restore their image from Chile. This break will allow them to refine their automatisms and find their best level. Will they be able to achieve this goal? Answer in the next few weeks.

Vincent Gallie

A fan of oval football, round ball but also racket sports, he was stung by the padel during his adolescence in Galicia. As comfortable in front of the camera as behind a microphone, Vince will be able to bring his vision and expertise as a fan of the little yellow ball.

On the same subject

Tags