The 2024 BNL Italy Major Premier Padel award ceremony photo is located just in front of the table where the important players sit in the Centrale press room at Foro Italico. Fede Chingotto and Ale Galan give it a quick look and smile, possibly already imagining a rematch on Sunday. Although the task will not be simple, Galan is fully recovered and prepared to participate after pulling out of the P1 in Buenos Aires owing to gastrointestinal problems.
Their objective is to win a third championship in Rome, where Galan and Juan Lebron won the inaugural Roman Major contest in 2022. “I’m excited to be here, where sports history is evident and the hallways are lined with pictures of all the previous Internazionali di tennis champions,” Galan said. “I recovered well back in Spain, and I have a great desire to play.”
There is still intense competition for the top spot and the Race. The Chingotto-Galan team won their first Major last year in Rome. They then won in Genoa before their performance declined to match Coello and Tapia’s domination. But the “Chingalan” team has already won three titles in the first half of 2025 (Miami, Santiago, and Asuncion), demonstrating their unwavering resolve. “We want to win and change the picture in front of us, and there are a lot of points up for grabs here,” Galan said.
Carlos Alcaraz shared space with his friend and fellow countryman Galan at the Centrale a few moments ago, less than a month ago. Galan disputes the comparison made by some between the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner and that between Chingotto-Galan and Coello-Tapia. We have a nice rivalry with Arturo and Agustin, albeit I dislike comparing sports and athletes. Carlos is continuing Rafa Nadal’s legacy and creating history. “I hope we can accomplish great things, as he did in Paris, and I wish him all the best,” Galan said.
Chingotto is vying for his second Rome title after losing to Coello and Tapia in the 2023 final when he was paired with Paquito Navarro, while Galan hopes to win his third. “We are glad to be back in this amazing location. Naturally, defending last year’s title is the aim, but generally speaking, I think our daily efforts are what lead to success. We have to fight for every point and be prepared for anything. The prize for all of the above events is a title. Mental toughness is essential during difficult times, and it’s critical to address problems as a team, clearing the air and helping individuals who might be having difficulties. Everything comes together more easily when you’re having fun,” the Argentine said.
Chingotto, like many other padel stars in Rome this week, is hoping to have time to explore the city and all that it has to offer. We haven’t had much time yet because we’ve been concentrating on training, but the chance will undoubtedly present itself. With excitement, he continued, “Every chance is a good one—I hope to visit the Trevi Fountain and enjoy a carbonara.”