The second semifinal of the Milano Premier Padel P1 delivered not only high-level play but also moments of intense drama. During the match between Tapia-Coello and Stupa-Lebron, Agustín Tapia struck a powerful smash that accidentally hit Juan Lebron in the face. The score stood at 3-2 in favor of Tapia and Coello, known as the Golden Boys, when the incident occurred.
Lebron’s reaction was immediate and emotional. He slammed his hand against the net, prompting a warning from the referee. The situation escalated when Lebron confronted the official, resulting in a second warning while he received medical attention. The tension was palpable, and the crowd watched as the match teetered on the edge of disruption.
Tapia’s disbelief on the bench
As the players regrouped, Tapia and Coello discussed the incident with their coach, Gustavo Pratto. Arturo Coello urged calm, saying, “We’re above this.” Tapia, however, expressed frustration at what he perceived as leniency toward Lebron.
“The guy punched the referee in the arm and didn’t do anything. He hits the referee and he’s still playing,” Tapia said on the bench, stunned that no disqualification had followed the outburst.
Pratto, aiming to refocus his players, responded with composure: “We’re going to win, and then we’ll talk.” His words helped shift the team’s mindset back to the match.
Composure leads to victory
Despite the emotional turbulence, Tapia and Coello maintained their focus and closed out the match with a double 6-4 win. Their ability to stay mentally strong proved decisive, especially in a contest where psychological resilience was as important as technical skill.
At the end of the match, all four players met at the net and exchanged words in a more composed manner, showing mutual respect despite the earlier confrontation.
A semifinal that sparked debate
The incident has sparked discussions within the padel community about player conduct and officiating standards. While Lebron’s reaction was clearly emotional, Tapia’s comments highlight a broader concern about consistency in disciplinary decisions.
The Milano Premier Padel P1 semifinal will be remembered not just for its quality of play, but for the controversy that unfolded mid-match — a moment that tested the boundaries of sportsmanship and composure under pressure.
El momento en cuestión 😮💨
Estoy seguro que Tapia no va a ir a pegar a la cara a nadie intencionadamente, fue mala suerte 🤷♂️.
Entiendo que a Juan le moleste, a mí en su situación me molestaría también pero las disculpas se aceptan y se sigue, esto es el pádel.
¿Qué pensáis?… pic.twitter.com/xrDYs1nyB9
— PadelView (@padelview) October 11, 2025
