Two matches, four sets won and only eight games conceded: Franco Stupaczuk and Jon Sanz have made a perfect start to their tournament in Rotterdam. However, their quarter-final against Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto raises another question: can they maintain their level when their opponents limit their attacking opportunities and force them to rebuild the point? 

Winners of Mario Ortega–Adam Axelsson and then Pol Hernández–Manuel Castaño by the same score,  6 / 2 6 / 2 Stupaczuk and Sanz reached the quarterfinals without dropping a single set. Galán and Chingotto also made a successful start, with a victory  6-0, 6-2 against Enzo Jensen and David Gala .

These results set the stage for the match, but don't yet reveal how the two pairs will react in a more competitive encounter. For Stupa and Sanz, the challenge will be finding a balance between their offensive sequences and the rallies where they'll need to be more patient.

Sanz: maintain the initiative without rushing the finish

The question raised in Lyon remains relevant: how to maintain Jon Sanz's explosiveness while reducing the errors that can interrupt a good run? A spectacular smash wins a point. An avoidable error on the following return can immediately erase that advantage.

Facing Chingotto on the diagonal, the left-hander could be confronted with this choice repeatedly. If the Argentinian manages to defend his initial accelerations and return a less favorable ball, Sanz will have to decide whether to continue the attack or rebuild.

 The quality of his aerial selection will therefore be a more interesting indicator than just the number of winning smashes.  On a lob that pushes him back or forces him to hit off balance, maintaining an offensive position with a well-worked ball could be more profitable than immediately looking for an exit.

This does not mean giving up on its power. The challenge will be to use it when the preparation of the point gives it a genuine opportunity to finish.

Returning, the first way to avoid suffering

The duel will also begin well before the smash. Against a pair capable of quickly establishing themselves at the net, the quality of the returns can determine the entire rest of the rally.

For Sanz and Stupaczuk, a low and sufficiently precise return could prevent an aggressive first volley, then open up an opportunity for a lob or a come-up. Conversely, a return that is too high would immediately give their opponents a ball that would keep them at the back of the court.

On the important points, it will be necessary to observe whether Sanz maintains a sufficient margin above the net, while avoiding making a ball comfortable.  The desired consistency will also be achieved in those unspectacular shots that simply allow you to stay in the point. 

Stupaczuk will have his part in the balance

This quarter-final won't just be about Sanz's ability to limit his mistakes. Stupaczuk will also have to help create the conditions in which his partner can attack.

If Galán takes the initiative down the diagonal, the Argentinian will need to find precise defensive exits to prevent the pressure from spreading to the middle. A deep lob can push the opposing pair back; a well-placed low ball can complicate their next volley. In both cases, the goal would be to create time to advance together.

The center coverage will be particularly interesting. With a right-handed player on the left and a left-handed player on the right, both Stupa and Sanz have their forehands directed inside. This setup can facilitate their attacking plays, provided the ball distribution remains clear and the player accompanying the attack ensures proper positioning.

Knowing how to extend a good sequence

The main lesson of this match might ultimately lie in the points that follow a missed opportunity. After a defended smash, a conceded break, or an error on an accessible ball, will Stupaczuk and Sanz be able to maintain their choices and organization?

To get through this quarter, they will likely need to produce decisive bursts of speed. But their ability to navigate less favorable sections, without resorting to excessive forced attacks, could be just as important.

Antoine Tricolet

I discovered the Padel I stumbled into Spain at a campsite. I was instantly hooked; passionate about padel, I follow international and regional news with the same excitement as the sport itself.

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