In Rome, Chingotto and Galán make history again

“You can only avoid the duel for two reasons. One: if you are in different places and therefore physically unable to fight. Two: if you are of different rank, as it is against disciplinary norms”. Ridley Scott will forgive us for quoting The Duellists, but tonight Coello-Tapia and the Chingalan were neither far apart nor of differing rank. Their talent? Identical. Exceptionally high.

This match, between the two most anticipated pairs of the Roman Major, wrote yet another chapter in one of the top rivalries on the global padel stage. This time, however, the coup de théâtre the Chingalan had been waiting nearly a year for finally arrived: with tonight’s 6-3 7-5 win, they ended a streak of nine straight losses, which had lasted since July 7, 2024, when they took the P2 final in Genoa (at the time leading the head-to-head 5–3). Before the final began tonight, that score had shifted dramatically: 12–5 in favor of Coello and Tapia, with nine consecutive wins, seven of which came in the closing months of 2024.

One year later, much had changed... except the champions at the Foro Italico. Federico Chingotto and Alejandro Galán reaffirmed themselves as kings of Rome in an edition that saw a new attendance record: 33,000 fans, a 10% increase over last year.

Their win was the result of grit, clarity, and tactical intelligence — qualities that made the difference in the key moments. The match lasted 90 minutes, with crucial breaks in the eighth game of the first set, and the seventh and eleventh of the second. It was highlighted by genius plays from both players, like Chingotto’s incredible recovery outside the court during the fifth game of the second set, which had the entire Centrale crowd erupting and cheering “Chingo Decimo Meridio,” yet another nod to Gladiator and Ridley Scott.

Italy continues to be fertile ground for Fede and Ale, who now rekindle their chase in the FIP rankings, closing the gap in head-to-head battles and proving they’re far from resigned in their pursuit of the world number ones. Far from simple challengers — the Chingalan are Duellists.