The Dubai P1 semifinals break with tradition: new protagonists, historic debuts and Javi Garrido’s return
The Dubai Premier Padel P1 2026 is becoming one of the most special and unpredictable tournaments of the season. The absence of the circuit’s two leading pairs, combined with numerous upsets in the opening rounds, has resulted in semifinals that will go down in history.
Flavio Abbate, Franco Dal Bianco and Juani De Pascual will play their first Premier Padel semifinals, while Javi Garrido will return to this stage 364 days after last achieving the feat.
Four stories that demonstrate that professional padel has much more to offer beyond its dominant players.
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Semis without Coello-Tapia or Chingalán
Since Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia, on one side, and Ale Galán and Fede Chingotto, on the other, established themselves as the two dominant pairs on the circuit, their presence in the final rounds has become a regular occurrence.
However, the Dubai P1 presents a completely different scenario.
The world’s two best pairs have withdrawn from the tournament, leaving the men’s semifinals without any of their four players.
These absences have been followed by the eliminations of Paquito-Di Nenno, Yanguas-Coki, Leal-Guerrero and Stupaczuk-Sanz.
In fact, Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger are the only players from an original top-eight pair still in contention.
A situation that opens the door to new protagonists and guarantees a men’s final unlike those we are accustomed to seeing.
Flavio Abbate makes history for Italian padel
One of the biggest names at the Dubai P1 is Flavio Abbate.
The 22-year-old has become the first Italian player in history to reach the men’s semis of Premier Padel, an achievement that represents an important step forward for the growth of the sport in his country.
Alongside Franco Dal Bianco, Abbate has progressed from the qualifying rounds to become one of the tournament’s four remaining pairs.
Their 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 victory over Momo González and Lucas Campagnolo secured a historic qualification.
The Italian had already come close to achieving this result at the Madrid P1 alongside Álvaro Montiel, but Dubai is where he has finally managed to break that barrier.
Franco Dal Bianco: from dominating A1 Padel to the Premier Padel semis
Abbate’s qualification also represents a very special moment for his partner, Franco Dal Bianco.
The Argentinian, who reached the number one ranking in A1 Padel alongside Maxi Arce, will play his first Premier Padel semifinals.
After beginning a new chapter in his career and competing in CUPRA FIP Tour events, Dal Bianco is starting to reap the rewards of his adaptation to the circuit.
The Argentinian has demonstrated that he has the level required to compete against the world’s best pairs.
Now, alongside Abbate, he will face the challenge of taking on Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger for a place in the final.
Javi Garrido returns to the semis 364 days later
Another of the tournament’s biggest stories features Javi Garrido.
The Córdoba-born player will return to the Premier Padel semifinals this Saturday, November 14, 364 days after his last appearance at this stage.
Interestingly, that semifinal also took place in Dubai, on November 15, 2025, when he was partnered with Lucas Campagnolo.
Since then, Garrido has gone through a period in which he had been unable to return to the decisive rounds.
Now, alongside Juani De Pascual, he is smiling again after consecutively eliminating Mike Yanguas-Coki Nieto and Franco Stupaczuk-Jon Sanz.
Their 6-1, 7-5 quarterfinal victory is a reward for the hard work of a pair that is beginning to demonstrate its potential.
Juani De Pascual also makes his semifinal debut
While Garrido’s return is great news, his partner’s qualification is equally significant.
Juani De Pascual will play his first Premier Padel semifinals, confirming the progress of one of the leading talents of Argentina’s new generation.
Like Dal Bianco, De Pascual has experience in A1 Padel and is now beginning to establish himself in Premier Padel.
Alongside Garrido, he will have the opportunity to reach the Dubai P1 final if they manage to overcome Tino Libaak and Gonza Alfonso.
Semis to remember
The Dubai P1 brings us a semifinal lineup that is completely different from what we are accustomed to seeing.
| Men’s semifinals |
|---|
| Flavio Abbate / Franco Dal Bianco vs Juan Lebrón / Leo Augsburger |
| Tino Libaak / Gonza Alfonso vs Javi Garrido / Juani De Pascual |
Regardless of who lifts the trophy on Sunday, the tournament has already produced several memorable stories.
The absence of the dominant pairs, Abbate’s historic achievement for Italy, the progress of Dal Bianco and De Pascual, and Garrido’s return are examples of the opportunities this sport offers.
The Dubai P1 reminds us that there is still much to discover in padel and many stories yet to be written.
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