The first match of the quarter-final between the France and Italy opposed Timeo Fonteny (294) et Johan Bergeron (137) to theAris Patiniotis (53) et Facundo Dominguez (60). On paper, the French were obviously not favourites against the two best players in the Italian selection.

The start of the match was complicated for the French who conceded the break at the start. Under pressure from the Italians, they conceded a second break. At 5/1, the Italians remained solid on their service game and won the first set. 6/1.

The French showed a better face in the second set, with a Johan Bergeron more constant and a Timeo Fonteny who made the difference with his smashes, allowing them to break from the start. However, at 3/1, the French forced their game and made mistakes, which allowed Patiniotis et Dominguez to unbreak. Subsequently, the game focuses more on Bergeron, who is forced to make a mistake, thus offering a new break to the Italians. Despite a break by the French at 3/4, the Italians keep their strategy and immediately regain their lead. At 4/5, they do not tremble and conclude the set 6/4.

Final score: 6/1 6/4

2024 World Championships - Quarter-final - France trails 1-0 against Italy

The next match, already decisive for France, will oppose Thomas Leygue / Dylan Guichard à Marco Cassetta / Simone Cremona.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !