After losing to Alejandro Galan in the semifinals in Acapulco, Juan Lebron gave the Spaniard a chilly and short handshake, which has caused controversy.
The outcome of the semifinal
Alejandro Galan and Federico Chingotto advanced to the final by defeating Leandro Augsburger and Juan Lebron 6-2, 6-3. Galan and Chingotto secured a resounding victory by dominating the rallies and taking advantage of Lebron’s errors.
The moment of the handshake
The hostility between the two ex-partners was evident in Lebron and Galan’s icy handshake at the net. The athletes’ tense relationship was brought to light by the gesture, which soon became a topic of discussion among fans and commentators.
A strained partnership
Once the dominant force in padel, Lebron and Galan won 33 tournaments together and held the world No. 1 rating for three straight seasons. Despite their incredible accomplishment, their collaboration terminated earlier in 2025 due to growing tensions and conflicts.
Galan’s recent triumph with Chingotto
Galan has regained his vigor and consistency after joining Federico Chingotto’s team. Galan’s decision to go with a new partner was strengthened by their victory in Acapulco, which demonstrated their developing chemistry and capacity to manage pressure-filled matches.
Lebron’s difficulties
Lebron has struggled to adapt since the split, with his new partnership with Augsburger still in its early stages. The chilly handshake represented both personal stress and frustration, while the loss in Acapulco demonstrated the challenges of fostering unity against well-established squads.
Reactions from the community
The incident drew attention across the padel community, with many noting the contrast between Galan’s composed demeanor and Lebron’s visible frustration. While neither player commented publicly, the moment underscored the emotional weight of their split and the intensity of competition at the highest level.
