The iconic and elegant Tour & Taxis Gare Maritime in Brussels will host two spectacular finals this Sunday, as the world’s top men's and women's pairs battle for the coveted title at the Lotto Brussels Premier Padel P2 by Belfius. There could be no better lineup to close a hugely successful tournament in Belgium, with a truly spectacular atmosphere and packed stands since midweek.
The distinctive Center Court will set the stage this Sunday for a true clash of titans between the world’s best, Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia, and the number 2 seeds, Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto. After facing off for the first time this year at last week's Qatar Major - with Coello and Tapia emerging victorious - what has already been dubbed the new classic of men’s padel will see a second chapter. And both duos arrive at the final in outstanding form.
Galán himself highlighted this during his press conference after sealing their spot in the final with a win over Martín Di Nenno and Juan Tello (7-5, 7-5): “We’re in a great moment right now; I think I’ve never managed to maintain such a high level for so long throughout my career, and I owe a lot of that to Fede,” said the Madrid-born player. Chingotto was also full of praise for his partner: “We’re a very hardworking team and we’re competing really, really well. We fight for every ball, and in tough moments, always have a 'Galanchu' in your life,” he joked.
The number 2 seeds are eager to make Belgium “Chingalán territory,” since it was right here that they claimed their first title together last year. Standing in their way, however, are the toughest opponents possible: Coello and Tapia, who are charging into the final like a rocket after dominating Paquito Navarro and Lucas Bergamini with authority (6-4, 6-3 in just one hour).
On the women’s side, Ari Sánchez and Paula Josemaría finally showed their best form. The world number ones, who hadn't been at their sharpest recently, delivered their most complete performance today against Alejandra Salazar and Vero Virseda (6-3, 6-3), and will surely arrive fresher to the final than their rivals, Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea. Triay and Brea left it all on the court to punch their ticket to their fifth final of the season, after an epic battle against Bea González and Claudia Fernández (6-2, 4-6, 7-5).
The clash between the number 2 and number 3 seeded teams was by far the most tightly contested and thrilling of the semifinals - a physical and mental battle lasting over 2 hours and 45 minutes. Down 3-5 in the final set, Gemma and Delfi patiently built point by point, shot by shot, a memorable comeback that puts them once again into a final. With four titles already this season compared to just one for the world number ones, Delfi and Gemma are steadily closing the gap toward their ultimate goal: dethroning Ari and Paula, the most successful women’s team in padel history, from the world number one spot.
The finals of the Brussels Premier Padel P2 will kick off at 2 p.m. local time, starting with the women’s final. Once the champions are crowned, the men’s final will take the stage.
