World number one padel players Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia headlined a rare exhibition match in Abu Dhabi, splitting their usual partnership for a competitive showdown. The event at Space42 Arena drew enthusiastic crowds and highlighted the sport's growing popularity in the UAE. Tapia and his partner secured a 7-6, 2-6, 6-3 victory.
The Ultimate Padel Match took place on Wednesday evening at Space42 Arena in Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi. This one-night exhibition featured Arturo Coello, the youngest player to reach the FIP World No. 1 ranking, teaming up with Spain's Jorge “Coki” Nieto, the current FIP World No. 7 and winner of the 2024 Premier Padel Finals. They faced Agustín Tapia, Coello's usual partner and joint World No. 1 known for his creative and attacking style, paired with Argentine World Champion Federico Chingotto, the FIP World No. 3 noted for his defensive prowess.
Played outside the official professional tour, the match ended with a 7-6, 2-6, 6-3 win for Tapia and Chingotto, offering fans a unique head-to-head between the sport's dominant duo.
Coello reflected on the event, stating: “It’s our second time here, and it’s a real pleasure to play here and be in this city. Padel is growing a lot in Abu Dhabi, and today you could really feel how much people enjoyed the match. It’s an amazing event, and I hope people continue to enjoy and discover this sport.” He added that such exhibitions help newcomers connect with the game: “Padel is still quite new here, but when people can see the level we play at, it helps them connect with the game. It’s a great moment for fans to start practising and enjoying padel.”
Tapia shared similar views: “I’m really happy to be back in Abu Dhabi. Padel is growing a lot in the city and across the country, and exhibition matches like this help bring the community together and contribute to that growth.” He expressed hope for future visits, saying he “would love to come back” and that “hopefully Abu Dhabi can host more tournaments in the future, so we can keep playing here.”
Off the court, Coello visited the Zayed National Museum and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, describing them as “an incredible experience.” Spectator Danny Al Abadi, an 18-year-old from Dubai, noted: “You don’t get many chances to see this level of padel up close. Seeing the best in the world compete against each other instead of together made it even more special, and matches like this really help people understand the sport better.”
The event underscores Abu Dhabi's emerging role in hosting elite sporting showcases.