Another stellar edition: the legacy of BNL Italy Major 2025

The fourth edition of the BNL Italy Major delivered above all two key messages: Gemma Triay is once again — also according to the rankings — the best female player in the world, and Galán and Chingotto have finally managed to break the Tapia-Coello spell. But during the eight days of world-class padel at the Foro Italico, there was so much more: new faces, entertaining stories, and a potentially historic moment for the global future of padel. Here’s everything that will remain from a tournament (once again) to remember.

GALÁN & CHINGOTTO, 343 DAYS LATER

It was only a matter of time before Ale Galán and Federico Chingotto beat Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello again—but much less expected in the final at Foro Italico, where the latter duo had triumphed in 2024. The world No.1s wanted to reclaim Rome, but the underdogs prevailed 343 days since their last win (Genova 2024), snapping Tapia and Coello’s nine-match streak. Galán once more proved he excels in Rome—three titles in four editions.

SARA ERRANI’S PRESENCE (AND PERFORMANCE)

Sara Errani arrived at the Major fresh off two doubles titles at Roland Garros, capturing attention early on—not just for publicity. Together with Giulia Dal Pozzo, she nearly shocked Bellver/Rodríguez, playing smart, low-risk padel that offered a lesson to many amateurs: trust your strengths rather than forcing risky plays. The wild card paid off: after elimination, Errani stayed to training with top pros, hinting at a bright padel future.

GEMMA TRIAY: TRUE WORLD NO.1

Although the FIP ranking still favoured Sánchez/Josemaria before the Major due to their last year’s results, Gemma Triay reclaimed her throne. Alongside Delfi Brea, she secured her second consecutive Major title with a tactically flawless final. Now just days shy of turning 33 (June 28), if she keeps playing this way, she'll stay at the top for a long time.

A FORO ITALICO VESTED IN BLUE

It might sound redundant, but players say it best: there’s no more beautiful stage for padel than the Foro Italico. Even the skeptics from the first year have since been won over—this venue remains unmatched for the sport.

THOMAS BACH’S VISIT

Padel’s Olympic bid received a boost on Friday when IOC President Thomas Bach visited the tournament. His presence spoke volumes—a milestone for the sport’s global ambitions. Just after Bach, FIP President Luigi Carraro also met incoming IOC president Kirsty Coventry, gifting each the official tournament racket depicting the Colosseum—a piece even Paquito used!

THE 98-MINUTE SET

Legend commentator Barbara Vitantonio confirmed it: the first set of the Sanchez/Josemaria vs. Gonzalez/Fernandez semifinal (ending 10-8 in the tiebreak) is the longest in Premier Padel history at 98 minutes. Many call for point-by-point scoring at deuce, but sets like this one offer full-court tactical education—especially valuable for aspiring players viewing from home.

LEAL-GUERRERO: ENTHUSIASTIC NEXT GEN

Born just two days apart in July 2003, Spaniards Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero teamed up just before the Major—and surprised everyone by reaching the semis, pushing No.1s Tapia/Coello to a comeback. Their blend of power, enthusiasm, and heart brought the crowd to life—their quarterfinal win over Coki Nieto/Mike Yanguas was arguably the week’s highlight.

PERINO… EXPRESS

By far the Major’s most dramatic story. Denis Perino, an Italian-Argentinian, had left Rome after losing in qualifiers. That Tuesday night he was called back as a lucky loser—and made the most of it: won the second-round match, reaching a main-draw Major round (their first). Even though Galán/Chingotto ended their run, Perino earned 180 points and a €5k payday. Worth it.

TOP TEAMS GUARANTEE QUALITY

World’s top-3 teams reached both men’s and women’s semifinals—and the two best possible finals ensued. Predictable? Maybe. But guaranteeing top-tier matchups for advance ticket-buyers is hardly a drawback.

SANYO GUTIÉRREZ’S SOCIAL POST

Former world No.1 Sanyo Gutiérrez is never shy with his words. His Instagram post after his elimination praised the tournament: “This was for me the best tournament in the history of this sport. Often we only speak when things go wrong… but when everything runs perfectly, we say nothing. This time, I want to congratulate the organizers of this UNSURPASSABLE tournament".