Kuwait Major
Galan and Chingotto Chase a Kuwait Repeat Against Coello and Tapia
The Spanish-Argentine duo shocked the world number ones at this same Kuwait venue last year, and qualifying is underway for a Major that could set up the rematch.
2h ago · 2 min read
Coello/Tapia (1) vs. Galan/Chingotto (2) - possible final rematch
Photo: Barcex · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Qualifying got underway Friday at the Kuwait Major, and the storyline hanging over the whole week is simple: can Alejandro Galan and Federico Chingotto do it again.
A rematch written into the draw
Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia arrive in Kuwait City as top seeds and the top-ranked pair in the world, fresh off a fourth straight title at Milano P1 last weekend. Galan and Chingotto sit right behind them at number two. The two teams have met repeatedly in finals this season, and Kuwait is where the rivalry turned personal: at this same venue last November, Galan and Chingotto beat Coello and Tapia to win the inaugural FIP World Cup Pairs, ending the year as the sport's newly crowned pairs world champions.
Why Kuwait matters again
The 2026 edition carries extra weight. Premier Padel and the FIP upgraded Kuwait from a P1 to a Major for this season after the Qatar Major was postponed, so the points and prize money on offer now match Rome and Paris. The main draw opens Sunday at the Rafa Nadal Academy complex, with qualifying rounds running through the weekend to fill out the brackets.
The rest of the picture
Coello and Tapia have barely been beaten all year and go in having won 12 titles in 2026. Galan and Chingotto have the one result that says they can still beat them when it counts most. If the seeding holds through the week, Kuwait could set up a final rematch of last year's title match rather than just another round of 16 formality. If it does not, somebody else gets a major upset of their own.
FAQ
When does the Kuwait Major main draw start?
The main draw opens Sunday, October 25, with qualifying matches running through the weekend before it.
Why was Kuwait upgraded to a Major this year?
Premier Padel and the FIP elevated the event from P1 to Major status for 2026 after the Qatar Major was postponed, matching its points and prize money to Rome and Paris.
What happened the last time Coello and Tapia played at this venue?
Galan and Chingotto beat them in the final to win the inaugural FIP World Cup Pairs in November 2025.
Sources
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