The 2024 champions are back to defend their crown at the Foro Italico, where Galán also triumphed in 2022. Chingotto talks padel, Trevi Fountain and carbonara: 'Any excuse is good to eat one'

 

In the press room of the Foro Italico's Centrale, right across from the table where the stars sit, hangs a photo from the 2024 BNL Italy Major Premier Padel awards ceremony. Ale Galán and Fede Chingotto spot it, smile, and maybe hope to do it all over again this Sunday. It won't be easy, but the Spaniard—fully recovered after withdrawing from the P1 in Buenos Aires due to stomach issues—is ready to go again. The quest for a third Rome title (Galan also won in 2022 with Juan Lebrón at the inaugural Major) is on: 'I recovered well back in Spain, I'm really eager to play and so happy to be here, where you can breathe sport everywhere, and see the photos of tennis champions lining the corridors'.

 

The battle for the top of the rankings and the Race is intense. Last year, Rome brought them their first Major title, followed by a win in Genoa before results dipped and Coello and Tapia dominated. But three titles in early 2025—Miami, Santiago, Asunción—prove that 'Chingalan' are still very much alive. 'There are a lot of points on the line here, and our goal is to win and update the photo right in front of us'.

 

Several photos were taken on this very court just weeks ago by Carlos Alcaraz, a friend and fellow Spaniard of Galán. Is the rivalry between Carlos and Sinner like that of Chingotto/Galán vs. Coello/Tapia? 'I don't like comparing athletes or sports, but there's definitely a healthy rivalry between us and Arturo and Agustín. Carlos is writing history and following in Rafa Nadal's footsteps. I wish him the best and hope we can do what he did in Paris'.

 

While Galán hunts for his third Rome title, Chingotto seeks his second, having lost the 2023 final with Paquito Navarro to Coello and Tapia. 'We're happy to be back in this beautiful place,' said the Argentine. 'Obviously, we want to defend our title, but it's the daily work that really brings the results. You need to be ready for every situation and fight for every ball. Titles are the reward for everything you've done beforehand. In tough times, the mental game is crucial, and we try to face challenges together, support each other and bring out the best in whoever's struggling. When you're having fun, everything goes better'.

 

Chingotto, like all the top stars in Rome, hopes to find time to enjoy the city: 'So far, we've mostly been focused on training, but I hope I get the chance to visit the Trevi Fountain and grab a carbonara—any excuse is good'.