Maxi Arce and Franco Dal Bianco won the La Rioja Open final in straight sets against Leonel “Tolito” Aguirre and Gonzalo Alfonso (6/1 and 7/6). This title in Argentina is the second of the year 2024 for the number 2 pair, after the one won in France. Furthermore, this victory allows them to equalize the results of the confrontations with the Aguirre/Alfonso pair, each duo having won two victories in their four meetings this year.

Clear domination from the first set

The match, opponent the two best pairs on the circuit, began with cross exchanges: Dal Bianco facing Alfonso and Arce, Aguirre. As expected, the final started with high intensity from all four players. The first two games were decided on golden points, in favor of the service, and it was during the third game that Arce and Dal Bianco managed to make the break. After this break, the set continued with increased intensity from the number 2 pair of the A1 circuitPadel. The exceptional level of Maxi Arce sometimes put Aguirre and Alfonso in difficulty, who continued to insist with blows on Salta. Taking advantage of these moments of weakness, Arce and Dal Bianco managed a second break, giving them a decisive advantage to win the first set 6/1.

A more balanced second set

The result of the first set woke up Aguirre and Alfonso who, at the start of the second set, began to further develop their game and vary their shots against their opponents. Their increased level of play allowed them to achieve a break in the second game, but they failed to confirm it in the following game. Afterwards, the pace of the match remained very tight, with both pairs holding their serve with high quality rallies. Aguirre and Alfonso saved two break points in the eleventh game, allowing them to force a tie-break (6-5). This tie-break saw Franco Dal Bianco shine with his precision, while Gonzalo Alfonso's errors weighed heavily. Finally, after ten points in sudden death, Arce and Dal Bianco won the set and were proclaimed champions of the La Rioja Open.

Matthias Héjja-Brichard

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