Libaak and Alfonso: New Argentine padel pair

It had been rumoured for some time; now it is official: Tino Libaak and Gonza Alfonso will launch a new padel project together in 2026. The two Argentines confirmed their partnership on social media, just days after Libaak and Alex Chozas went their separate ways following the Malaga P1. The move extends the upheaval in the men's Premier Padel field and adds another all-Argentine pairing to the tour.

A new chapter after the split

The players' message is clear: they want to open a new chapter together, keep improving, learn from one another and fight for the best possible results. Libaak and Alfonso stress sporting ambition rather than the short-term impact of an announcement – they are building a partnership with perspective. In an environment where partner changes are routine, this combination still carries weight: two Argentine players with a clear pace profile and the desire to establish themselves in the upper Premier Padel bracket.

The timing of the announcement is no coincidence. The split between Libaak and Chozas had only recently made headlines after their pairing ended at the Malaga P1. Fans and observers had already been speculating about Libaak's next move. With Alfonso, he has chosen a compatriot known for intensity, attacking intent and a high performance level.

Libaak and Chozas: potential without a breakthrough

For Tino Libaak, the switch closes a partnership that looked promising on paper but did not fully meet expectations on tour. With Alex Chozas, the pair never managed to get past the round of 16 on Premier Padel. That was seen as too early a plateau for two players aiming higher. Those who regularly fall in the last 16 lose ranking points, visibility and the claim to belong among the pairings that shape tournaments.

Libaak is therefore deliberately searching for a setup that allows deeper runs. His game is built on pace, pressure and the ability to accelerate rallies early. Chozas brought complementary qualities, yet the joint record fell short of their ambitions. The move to Alfonso is less a reaction to one result than a strategic reset.

Alfonso as a high-impact partner

Gonza Alfonso is regarded on the pro circuit as a player who can raise the tempo and put opponents under pressure. His profile fits Libaak's aim of forming an aggressive, rhythm-driven pairing. Both Argentines have the physical and technical base to dominate rallies when the chemistry works. On paper, Libaak / Alfonso looks dangerous – provided role distribution and on-court communication come together quickly.

In modern padel, details often decide whether a new pairing succeeds: who takes the net in critical phases? How do both respond to defensive opponents? How fast do fixed patterns develop on return and serve? These questions will become relevant for Libaak and Alfonso immediately after their debut. Both bring attacking qualities but must prove they can also deliver stability in tight matches.

Premier Padel and the round-of-16 barrier

The Premier Padel tour sets clear expectations for pairings in the middle and upper bracket. Those who regularly exit in early rounds drop out of the conversation around the biggest events. For Libaak, that line with Chozas was a recurring obstacle. The new project with Alfonso therefore targets measurable progress: not just greater visibility, but deeper tournament runs that strengthen ranking and confidence.

That both players come from Argentina adds extra attention. South American padel has produced more and more top talents in recent years, and all-national pairings are watched closely on tour. Libaak / Alfonso stands not only for a partner change but also for the growing presence of Argentine pros in international competition.

Debut at the Pretoria P1

Libaak and Alfonso are expected to make their first joint appearance at the Pretoria P1. The tournament is already lined up as their season opener – both are entered together. Pretoria P1 will be the first practical test: how quickly do they find rhythm? How do they look against established pairs? And can they bring their dynamic to the court from the start?

An early tour event offers both opportunity and risk. On the positive side, the pair will not start the season with weeks of uncertainty but can show under match conditions what the new setup can deliver. At the same time, shared match practice is often limited – a factor that can decide wins and losses in the opening rounds.

Open questions before the first match

It remains unclear how roles will be divided long term and how quickly the pair will find their automatic patterns. Both players bring attacking momentum, yet sustained success also demands defensive stability and clear communication under pressure. Pairings with similar strengths must learn to give each other space and structure rallies intelligently.

For the men's transfer market, the announcement is another signal that the field keeps moving even beyond the absolute top seeds. Libaak moves from Chozas to Alfonso, putting another Argentine combination in the spotlight. Whether the pair can break the round-of-16 barrier will become clear at Pretoria P1 and in the Premier Padel events that follow. For now, one thing is certain: Libaak and Alfonso have officially started their 2026 project – with the clear goal of taking a step forward together.