The world of professional padel has been thrown into a glorious state of chaos. For years, the partnership of Juan Lebrón and Ale Galán dominated the sport, a seemingly unstoppable force at the pinnacle of the rankings. But their recent, dramatic split has sent shockwaves through the tour, effectively vacating the throne. This seismic shift, coupled with the historic unification of the World Padel Tour and Premier Padel into a single, cohesive circuit, has created a power vacuum. The race for the number one spot is now more open and unpredictable than ever before, heralding a new golden age for the sport. This is not just a change of guard; it is a complete restructuring of the elite landscape. Old alliances have crumbled and exciting new ones have formed, each vying to claim the ultimate prize. In this guide, we will break down the key contenders, from the reigning kings to the newly formed super-teams, all battling for padel supremacy in this thrilling new chapter.
A new era for professional padel
The year 2024 will be remembered as a monumental turning point for professional padel. The long-awaited unification of the two competing major tours, the World Padel Tour and Premier Padel, has finally come to fruition. Now, a single, global tour governed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) dictates the season and the all-important rankings. This consolidation has eliminated the confusion of separate points systems and created one definitive path to the top. It has raised the stakes for every tournament and intensified the rivalries. The backdrop for this new structure was the dramatic end of the sport’s most successful recent partnership. Juan Lebrón and Ale Galán, who held the top spot for much of the last four years, announced their separation early in the season. Their split was not just the end of a team; it was the end of an era. It created an immediate opening at the summit, a space that multiple elite pairings are now desperately trying to fill. This combination of a new tour structure and a fractured hierarchy has set the stage for an incredible season-long battle. The stability of the past has been replaced by thrilling uncertainty, making every match and every tournament crucial in the chase for the crown.
The reigning kings Coello and Tapia
If there is one team that entered this new era with a target on their backs, it is Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia. Their 2023 season was nothing short of breathtaking, a display of dominance that saw them clinch a remarkable number of titles and establish themselves as the heirs apparent to the padel throne. As the current FIP number one ranked players, they are the team everyone is chasing. Their partnership is a perfect storm of complementary talents. Coello, known as ‘King Arthur’, is a physical phenomenon. His height, reach, and explosive power from the left side of the court are simply overwhelming for opponents. His ability to finish points with thunderous smashes is unparalleled. On the right side, you have the magician, Agustín Tapia, the ‘Mozart of Catamarca’. Tapia possesses a unique blend of creativity, speed, and impossibly soft hands. He can invent shots out of nowhere and defend with incredible agility, turning seemingly lost points into winners. Together, they form a near-perfect offensive and defensive unit. Their challenge in 2024 is to maintain that incredible level of consistency against a field of new and hungry challengers who have spent the offseason studying how to dismantle their game. They are no longer the hunters; they are the hunted.
The superpibes Stupaczuk and Di Nenno
While power and flair often grab the headlines, the relentless grit and flawless teamwork of Franco Stupaczuk and Martín Di Nenno make them a perennial threat to any team on the tour. Known affectionately as ‘The Superpibes’, this all-Argentine duo embodies the spirit of the fighter. They were the primary rivals to Coello and Tapia throughout their dominant 2023 run, and they remain firmly in the conversation for the top spot. Their game is built on a foundation of incredible court coverage and a seemingly telepathic understanding of each other’s movements. Stupaczuk, the more aggressive of the two, is a bundle of explosive energy, capable of incredible feats of athleticism both in attack and defense. Di Nenno, on the other hand, is the ultimate warrior. His comeback from a life-threatening car accident is one of padel’s most inspiring stories, and he plays every point with a level of determination that is second to none. He is a defensive wall, retrieving balls that seem impossible to reach and masterfully constructing points. What they may sometimes lack in the overwhelming power of a Coello, they more than make up for in heart, strategy, and an unwillingness to ever give up on a point. They are the ultimate grinders, capable of wearing down any opponent through sheer persistence and tactical intelligence.
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A galáctico reinvention Galán and Chingotto
When Ale Galán, one half of the former dominant number one pairing, needed a new partner, he opted for a completely different profile. He chose Federico ‘Fede’ Chingotto, creating one of the most intriguing new duos on the circuit. This partnership is a fascinating experiment, blending the outright aggressive firepower of Galán with the supreme control and defensive mastery of Chingotto. It is a true ‘fire and ice’ combination. Galán, a ‘Galáctico’ of the sport, plays an attacking, high-risk game, constantly pressuring opponents and looking to end points with his powerful shots. His decision to team up with Chingotto signals a desire for a new kind of stability. Chingotto is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the world. Nicknamed ‘The Mouse’ for his incredible speed and court coverage, he is a master of consistency, rarely making unforced errors and extending rallies until his partner can find an opening to attack. The big question for this team is how their contrasting styles will mesh. Can Chingotto’s steadying presence provide the perfect platform for Galán’s explosive attacks? Or will their differing rhythms cause friction under pressure? If they can find the right balance, this team has the potential to be a tactical nightmare for opponents, combining impenetrable defense with lethal offense.
The wolf pack reunites Lebrón and Navarro
In a move that sent waves of excitement and nostalgia through the padel community, Juan Lebrón, ‘El Lobo’ (The Wolf), reunited with a former partner and fellow Spanish legend, Paquito Navarro. This is a reunion of two of the sport’s biggest personalities and most talented players, who previously held the number one ranking together. Their return as a pair is arguably the most explosive and potentially volatile partnership in the men’s game. Both players are known for their fiery on-court passion, immense charisma, and a brand of padel that is both spectacular and aggressive. Paquito Navarro is a showman, a creative force who can hit any shot in the book and energize the crowd like no other. Lebrón is a relentless competitor, an athletic marvel whose defensive capabilities are often underrated because of his offensive prowess. When they are in sync, their combined energy and shot-making ability are nearly unstoppable. However, their first stint together was also marked by moments of on-court tension. The success of this reunion will depend entirely on their ability to channel their intense personalities into a cohesive unit. If they can rediscover their chemistry and manage their fiery temperaments, they have the talent and experience to make a serious run for the throne they once shared.
Dark horses and rising stars
While the spotlight is firmly on the top four or five super-teams, the depth of talent in professional padel is greater than ever. Several ‘dark horse’ pairings have the potential to cause major upsets and disrupt the established order. One such team to watch is the veteran duo of Sanyo Gutiérrez and Maxi Sánchez. Both are former number one players with a wealth of experience and tactical knowledge. Sanyo, ‘The Magician’, remains one of the most creative and intelligent players on tour, while Maxi provides rock-solid consistency and power. They may not have the youthful explosiveness of some rivals, but their court craft and experience make them a dangerous opponent on any given day. Beyond the established names, a new generation of talent is beginning to make its mark. Players like Jon Sanz and Coki Nieto are showing that they can compete with and beat the top teams. These younger players bring a fearless energy and are constantly pushing the boundaries of the sport with their speed and athleticism. They represent the future of padel and are a constant reminder to the top teams that there is no room for complacency. The presence of these dangerous floaters in tournament draws adds another layer of unpredictability to the season, ensuring that the path to the number one spot is filled with potential landmines.
The battle for the padel throne is well and truly underway, and for the first time in a long time, the outcome is completely unknown. The unified Premier Padel tour has provided the perfect stage for this drama to unfold. We have the reigning kings, Coello and Tapia, trying to build a dynasty while fending off all comers. We have the tireless warriors, ‘The Superpibes’ Stupa and Di Nenno, looking to turn their immense effort into the ultimate prize. Then there are the blockbuster new pairings. Galán and Chingotto represent a tactical evolution, a blend of raw power and perfect control. Lebrón and Paquito’s reunion is a high-octane gamble, a partnership that could either reach the pinnacle or implode in a blaze of glory. The departure of a long-standing number one duo has not weakened the sport; it has invigorated it. The parity at the top has created a must-watch product for fans, where any of several teams could realistically end the year as number one. This uncertainty is the sport’s greatest asset right now. So, grab your popcorn and tune in, because the fight for padel supremacy promises to be a thrilling, season-long spectacle.
