The world’s top-ranked padel players, Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia, will compete head-to-head in a one-night-only exhibition match at Space42 Arena, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
Titled The Ultimate Padel Match, the event will mark a historic moment in professional padel, as the joint FIP World No.1 partnership will be split for the first time. Coello will team up with Jorge “Coki” Nieto, while Tapia will partner with Federico Chingotto, creating a first-of-its-kind matchup not currently featured on the professional tour calendar.
Widely regarded as the most dominant pairing in modern padel, Coello and Tapia have recorded a match win rate exceeding 90%, achieved a remarkable 47-match winning streak, and secured thirteen titles in 2025 alone, including multiple major championships. The Abu Dhabi exhibition offers fans a rare opportunity to witness the two global stars compete against each other on opposite sides of the net.
Jorge “Coki” Nieto, currently ranked World No.7, notably ended Coello and Tapia’s record-breaking run at the 2024 Premier Padel Finals and now joins Coello for this special showcase. Meanwhile, Tapia will partner with Federico Chingotto, the Argentine World Champion and current World No.3, known for his exceptional defensive skills and strategic court coverage.
“Bringing the world’s No.1 players to compete head-to-head in Abu Dhabi is a significant moment for the sport locally,” said Mohamad Yehya, General Manager of Space42 Arena. “Padel has grown rapidly across the UAE, and this exhibition gives fans the opportunity to experience the highest level of the game live.”
The event further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the region’s fastest-growing sports destinations. The UAE capital has firmly established itself as a year-round host of major international sporting events, attracting elite athletes and global audiences across multiple disciplines. The addition of world-class padel to the city’s sporting calendar reflects continued investment in delivering premium sporting experiences.
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