The question is worth asking. On paper, the difference seems significant:  19,800 points for Tapia/Coello versus 17,740 for Galán/Chingotto i.e  2,060 point difference But looking at the schedule and the 52-week point defense system, the race for number 1 is far from over.

A rather positive start to the season

In Riyadh, Galán and Chingotto reached the final. This is already a better result than last year, when they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Result:  net points earned .

At the same time, Tapia/Coello simply retained their title and therefore  maintained their capital , without widening the gap.

Gijon and Cancún: two weeks without points to defend

The upcoming tournaments,  Gijon P2  et  Cancun P2 offer an interesting opportunity. The headliners didn't compete in them in 2025 due to the boycott, so  Any point will be a bonus .

In a likely scenario where we find two finals, Tapia/Coello vs. Galán/Chingotto:

  • Galán / Chingotto victories:  +1,080 points 
  • Tapia / Coello Finals:  + 720 points 

Is  a gain of approximately 480 points  for the Spanish-Argentine pair.

The gap would then be around  1 500 points .

Miami: A turning point to defend for Galán / Chingotto

Le  Miami P1  It will then be a week of pressure for them.
They had won the tournament last year, while Tapia/Coello had stopped in the semi-finals.

To stay in touch,  They absolutely must retain their title Otherwise, the gap could start widening again.

The Qatar Major: the real strategic window

This is where the scenario can take a turn.

Tapia / Coello  had won the Qatar Major in 2025 So they have  2,000 points to defend .

In an ideal scenario:

  • Galán / Chingotto win the Major →  2 000 points 
  • Tapia / Coello eliminated in the quarter-finals →  360 point 

The difference between the two performances is:

 2000 – 360 = 1640 points 

And since Tapia/Coello would replace their 2,000 points with 360, their record would be:

 – 1,000 points 

This would therefore be in favor of Galán / Chingotto.
With the gap already narrowed in previous tournaments, this scenario could  propel them to the number 1 spot in the world .

A rare scenario, but not impossible

Seeing Tapia/Coello fall in the quarterfinals at a Major remains unlikely given their consistency. But it's not unrealistic over an entire season.

The key: chaining

To become number 1, Galán/Chingotto would need to:

  • Winning in Gijon and Cancun
  • Keep Miami
  • Capitalizing on a Tapia/Coello misstep in Qatar Major

This would represent  a series of very great results that is, four consecutive titles.

So they are not that far apart mathematically, but  From a sporting perspective, the challenge remains immense. Tapia/Coello's consistency in major tournaments remains the benchmark, and it is this consistency that protects their throne today.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !