Heading to the quarter-finals of FIP GOLD LYON for the Franco-Spanish pair, Alix Collombon / Araceli Martinez, after a new victory in a fierce fight.
First set hooked
The start of the match is balanced, with service games easily won by both sides. The first set was hard-fought, with both teams struggling to put their opponents in trouble on the returns. The game was mainly focused on the left diagonal. Araceli Martinez is more incisive than the day before, particularly on its trays, while physically engaging with each shot.
Unfortunately, at 3/4, both players – the French and the Spanish – concede a break. However, they immediately recovered by playing more into their opponents' feet and focusing the game on the right player. Alix Collombon becomes more impactful, allowing them to unbreak. The two pairs then neutralize each other until tie-breaker.
Le tie-breaker is like the set: very tight. At 5/5, the aggression of the French and the Spanish finally pays off, and they win 7/5 in this decisive game.
First set: 7/6
Second set of madness
In this second set, Alix Collombon et Araceli Martinez gain confidence and continue their aggressive momentum. Alix, in its best days, shines, whileAraceli also raises his level of play, especially with his smashes, which destabilizes Arellano Navarro and pushes her to make mistakes. This allows them to break at 2/1.
A game of break-debreak intense, with spectacular exchanges and incredible points. It was impossible to separate the two teams in this second set, which also ended with a new tie-breakerSupported by the Lyon public and mentally stronger, the Frenchwoman and the Spaniard won this tie-break 7/3.
Victory: 7/6, 7/6
A magnificent victory for the Frenchwoman, who showed her ability strong minded and encourage her partner in difficult moments. In the quarter-finals, they will face the number 1 seed, Alejandra Alonso De Villa et Andrea Ustero Prieto, currently in great shape, especially after the recent Ustero final at Greenweez Paris Major alongside Delfi Brea. This highly anticipated match will be played on the central track as the second match of the day, with the programme starting at 11am.
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 !