Galán and Chingotto reach third Rome final
At the Italy Major 2026 at the Foro Italico in Rome, the semi-final many fans and experts had been waiting for finally arrived. On one side, Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto, currently ranked world number two and regularly winning the decisive matches at the biggest Premier Padel events this season. On the other, Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger, seeded fourth and among the most spectacular pairs on tour. As has often been the case in the biggest weeks of the calendar, Galán and Chingotto had the last word: with a 7-6, 6-3 win in one hour and 19 minutes, they reached the final and secured a third consecutive title match in the Italian capital.
A first set played at the highest level
Conditions in Rome were fast, and all four players responded with an intense, high-tempo opening. No break was recorded in the first set. Servers held comfortably and returners struggled to shift momentum. Lebrón and Augsburger looked especially dangerous whenever a lob lacked precision. The Argentine then unleashed his power at the net, while Lebrón consistently supported his partner in offensive phases and added extra pressure.
On the other side, Federico Chingotto delivered another outstanding performance. Among the four players, he probably benefited least from the fast court conditions, yet he was anything but passive. With pinpoint lobs, excellent reading of the game and solid defence, he repeatedly gave Alejandro Galán ideal positions to attack. Whenever Galán took the initiative, the gap between the two pairs usually became visible immediately.
With neither side breaking serve, the first set had to be decided in a tie-break. In that tense phase, Galán and Chingotto stayed composed while a few rushed choices from Lebrón and Augsburger proved costly. The Spanish pair took the set 7-6 and laid the foundation for the rest of the match.
The turning point in the second set
Losing the opening set seemed to weigh on Lebrón and Augsburger. Right from the start of the second, Galán and Chingotto broke serve and took control. Their game plan looked perfectly executed: body pressure, rhythm changes and Chingotto's lobs to regain the offensive. Where chances to stay level had still existed, a few weak passages were enough to swing momentum decisively.
At 5-3, Galán and Chingotto broke again and effectively sealed the match. They closed out the set 6-3 and booked their place in the final. From the winners' perspective, the finish looked controlled even though the first set had remained completely open. For Lebrón and Augsburger, the impression remained that they lacked clarity in the key moments needed to disrupt the favourites' rhythm.
Statistics underline the dominance
The numbers after the match confirm the picture on court. Galán and Chingotto converted their break chances far more efficiently than their opponents. They created three break points and converted two. Lebrón and Augsburger also had two break opportunities but converted none. Both teams committed exactly 20 unforced errors, yet the winning pair clearly led in offensive production.
- 49 winners for Galán and Chingotto
- 36 winners for Lebrón and Augsburger
- 3 break points for Galán and Chingotto, 2 converted
- 2 break points for Lebrón and Augsburger, none converted
A large share of the successful attacking shots came from an especially inspired Alejandro Galán, perfectly supported by Chingotto's work in the background. While Lebrón and Augsburger could shine at times, the winning duo looked more stable overall in the phases that truly decided the match.
Rome remains their stronghold
With this semi-final qualification, Galán and Chingotto extend their remarkable run at the Foro Italico. They had already won the title in the previous two editions of the Italy Major. Now they will contest a third consecutive final in Rome and have a chance to claim a third straight title in the Italian capital. Given the form shown and their composed response after a tight first set, the pair again looks like a serious contender for the Premier Padel crown this week.
For Lebrón and Augsburger, the tournament ends in the semi-finals. Despite elimination, the pair remains one of the most attractive teams on tour, but against Galán and Chingotto they lacked consistency in the decisive moments on this evening in Rome. The final at the Foro Italico will show whether the two Spaniards can once again prove their dominance in the Eternal City.
