‘Chingo’ and Di Nenno: “We give everything for Argentina. Together with Spain, we are leaders, but in other countries, the young players are raising the level”

Together again, this time for the most important goal. Fede Chingotto and Martín Di Nenno put on a show during the quarterfinals of the FIP World Padel Championships. On the sunny afternoon in Doha, the two Argentinians overwhelmed the Chileans Walker/Munos Campos 6-2, 6-1, securing the first point for the “Albiceleste,” which then advanced to the semifinals. A surprising duo — even for the players themselves, who were informed of their pairing shortly before the match — but one that thrilled the crowd at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha. “Playing with Martín is a beautiful thing because we have been meeting on the court for a lifetime, and being able to compete together in the World Championship is something I really enjoy“, commented Chingotto at the post-match press conference. “The pairing remained a secret until the last moment – he continued – and I had hoped for a long time to play with Martín, but it’s not simple; our team has great players at the individual level, and making certain choices is always risky. Today was a surprise: the captains gave us the lineup, and we are really happy to be here”.

UNITED FOR ARGENTINA With the semifinal approaching and a final seeming within reach, thoughts now turn to Spain, the other favored team to win the World Championships. A historic rivalry that intertwines with the sporting paths of the individual players who partner with the Spaniards: “When you represent your country, you put everything aside – says Di Nenno – We know it’s a special week, and then everyone will return to their normal lives. I, for example, have a Spanish partner like ‘Chingo,’ but here we wear the jersey of Argentina; we are all united and focused on the goal“. It’s inevitable to think about the final: “Each of us is eager to play – Chingotto continued – but it will be the captains who decide. Whoever plays is fine: on and off the court, we will all support Argentina“.

THE EVOLUTION OF PADEL Chingo and Di Nenno then assessed the changes in padel: “I see a great evolution – said Di Nenno – Argentina and Spain are leaders, but there is also significant growth in other countries, with many young people playing padel. This is good not only for a tournament like the World Championship but also for the sport. Over time, I’m sure there will be increasingly exciting competitions”. They also reflected on the different styles of padel in Argentina and Spain: “Perhaps there are only players with different styles – explained Chingotto – Let’s take Galán and Lebrón, for example, who are very tall and play everywhere; we obviously have different styles“. Regarding the influx of new talents, he added: “Spain has a great crop of young players who continue to grow. However, in Argentina, great talents like Tino Libaak and Augsburger are also emerging, with a fast-paced and physical style of play“. More generally, “looking at countries like Sweden and Mexico, the level has grown significantly, and we approach every match with the utmost seriousness“, Chingotto further stated. “You might think that the score of 6-2, 6-1 was easy for Argentina, but we played with intensity, seizing every moment and trying new things because, in general, the game is improving. So, we need to start playing with different tactics. As far as we are concerned, we are appreciating this change a lot and are fortunate to be experiencing it”.