Alejandro Galán doesn't have much left to improve… except perhaps mentally – The mental battle against the number 1s

Some defeats are quickly forgotten. Others linger in the mind for days. The one suffered by Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto against Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia in the final of the Premier Padel P2 in Bordeaux probably belongs to the second category.

For nearly two sets, the Spanish-Argentine pair delivered a top-level performance. More aggressive in attack, solid in defense, and capable of imposing their rhythm, Galán and Chingotto seemed to have everything they needed to clinch another title against the world number ones.

But once again, the scenario turned in favor of Coello and Tapia, winners 5/7 7/6 6/2.

The tie-break that changes everything

As is often the case in the biggest matches, the game was decided by a few exchanges.

At 6-6 in the second-set tiebreak, Alejandro Galán committed several uncharacteristic unforced errors. Three mistakes at a moment when every ball was worth its weight in gold. In a matter of seconds, a final that seemed destined to swing in their favor completely slipped away from the world number two pair.

This lost tiebreak acted as a real psychological turning point. The third set perfectly illustrates this. Galán appeared much more withdrawn, less expressive, and above all, less enterprising. The intensity that had been his strength for much of the match gradually disappeared, while Coello and Tapia gained confidence and cruised to a 6-2 victory.

In a hard-fought victory, Tapia and Coello overturn Galán/Chingotto and remain the kings of Bordeaux

Number 1s possess this ability to survive

This is probably what is most impressive about Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia.

They don't always dominate their opponents from the first point to the last. However, they always seem to find the necessary resources when the match turns.

It's worth noting that Bordeaux's performance confirms a shift in the dynamics of this rivalry. After several victories for Galán and Chingotto at the start of the season, the world ranking leaders have regained a psychological advantage by stringing together wins in head-to-head matches.

This ability to remain clear-headed in moments of tension is now one of their greatest strengths.

Galán doesn't have much left to improve… except perhaps mentally.

Technically, it's difficult to find many weaknesses in Alejandro Galán. His explosiveness, his volleying ability, his capacity to accelerate the game or defend against difficult situations still make him one of the best players on the planet.

The problem is probably no longer technical.

His 100th career final was meant to symbolize his lasting return to the top. Instead, it serves as a reminder of just how small the gap between him and Coello and Tapia now lies.

Against the number ones, every important ball seems to carry more weight. Every missed opportunity leaves its mark. And the more these scenarios repeat themselves, the greater the risk of doubt unconsciously creeping in during crucial moments.

The next step to becoming number 1 again

Bordeaux did not demonstrate that Galán and Chingotto were inferior to the league leaders. Quite the contrary.

For two sets, they probably produced a level of padel capable of beating any pair on the tour. But, once again, the most important points went to Coello and Tapia.

For Alejandro Galán, the next hurdle will likely be neither physical nor technical. It will be mental.

If he manages to immediately erase the mistakes, maintain the same aggressiveness under pressure and regain the serenity that was long his strength, then the hierarchy could once again waver.

Because today, it's no longer the rallies that separate the two best pairs in the world. It's a few points… always the most important ones.

Antoine Tricolet

I discovered the Padel I stumbled into Spain at a campsite. I was instantly hooked; passionate about padel, I follow international and regional news with the same excitement as the sport itself.