Coello and Tapia: an epic comeback. Sanchez and Ustero lift a trophy again

Of the 36 chapters in the endless rivalry between Arturo Coello, Agustin Tapia, Fede Chingotto and Ale Galan, the one that decided the Valencia P1 title was among the most dramatic and memorable. In the end, as had happened a week earlier at the Foro Italico, it was the world number ones who lifted the trophy. They did so after a tie-break in which Coello and Tapia trailed 5-1 before producing a remarkable comeback that earned Arturito and Agus their fourth title of the season. The ‘Chingalan’ pair, beaten 6-7 6-1 7-6, had won the first-set tie-break before being comprehensively outplayed in the second. At the start of the third set, Chingotto and Galan secured a break in the second game and later led 5-2 and then 5-4. However, while serving for the match, they were broken back, bringing the set level before the epic finish and Tapia’s smash that sealed victory. “This win means a great deal to us”, said Coello, who claimed the 50th title of his career. “Congratulations to Fede, Ale and their team for what they show every week. We always say that these matches push us to our limits. As for Agustin, once again he proved to be an animal, and it is easy to play alongside him”. “This week in Valencia has been a celebration and we are happy to have completed it with a title”, added Tapia. “These matches are decided by small details and we did well to keep believing until the end. We are going through a good period and are seeing the rewards of the work we have put in since Buenos Aires. The season is long, but today we will enjoy this victory”.

 

WOMEN If the champions of the men’s tournament were the same as a week earlier, Ari Sanchez and Andrea Ustero gained revenge for their defeat in Rome by claiming their second title of 2026 after triumphing in Riyadh. The number 3 seeds in the women’s draw defeated Claudia Fernandez and Sofia Araujo 6-4 3-6 6-2. Sanchez and Ustero were the first to be broken in the opening set but managed to recover. In the second, Fernandez and Araujo — competing in their first final of the season — broke their opponents’ serve twice from 3-3. However, three consecutive breaks by the two Spaniards proved decisive in the third set. “We are very happy to have won a tournament in Spain”, said Sanchez. “The crowd has been fantastic from the first days. After many months and many tournaments, we have managed to win again. The week in Rome was very important in building towards this title”. “It’s incredible to play here”, added Ustero. “I’m delighted to have won the first Premier Padel title of my career in Spain. This team is strong because it never gives up, and we showed that once again”.

 

The Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour will remain in Spain. Following the Valencia P1, attention now turns to the Valladolid P2, scheduled from 22 to 28 June in the iconic Plaza Mayor.