After a grueling 2-hour and 48-minute battle, Alix Collombon and Ksenia Sharifova secured their place in the round of 16 of the Bordeaux P2 tournament. The Franco-Russian pair defeated Lucia Sainz and Jana Montes (6-2, 5-7, 7-6), after saving three match points in a match marked by a heated controversy at the end. 

After two early eliminations in Valencia and then Valladolid, Alix Collombon needed to rediscover the taste of victory on the circuit. Premier PadelIt has now been done, at the end of a match that will undoubtedly remain one of the most contested of his season.

A match that changed direction several times

The Frenchwoman and her partner had made a perfect start to their match. Playing with great focus, they also capitalized on numerous unforced errors from their opponents, particularly Jana Montes, to clinch the first set 6-2.

The second set was a completely different story. Broken very early on, Collombon and Sharifova nevertheless managed to level the score by breaking back. While they seemed poised to close out the match in two sets, Lucia Sainz and Jana Montes raised their game in the final games to snatch the set 7-5 and force a decisive third set.

The scenario then became completely crazy. Still ahead on the scoreboard, the Spanish team even had the opportunity to serve for the match, before seeing their opponents come back. Ultimately, everything came down to a very tense tie-break.

Three match points saved and a huge controversy

In this third set, Collombon and Sharifova had to save  three match balls  before pulling off an incredible comeback.

One of them will remain particularly controversial. On a  star point  In a contest on Ksenia Sharifova's serve, a ball played against the net was immediately called out by Collombon and Sharifova. Jana Montes and Lucia Sainz, however, felt the ball was in and requested a video review.

The problem was that the two Spanish players had already used their two appeals. It was therefore impossible to review the play, which angered Jana Montes. Furious, the young Spaniard verbally attacked the referee and… Alix Collombon.

The tension won't subside after match point. At the moment of the handshake,  Jana Montes refuses to greet Alix Collombon and Ksenia Sharifova concluding an electrifying encounter right up to its final moment.

Collombon returns to winning ways after a tremendous battle in Bordeaux P2

A victory that could revive the season

Beyond the dramatic events, this victory is invaluable for Alix Collombon. The French number one hadn't won a single match on the circuit in a long time. Premier Padel since  first round of the Italy Major , having suffered two early eliminations in Valencia and Valladolid.

This prestigious victory against Lucia Sainz and Jana Montes, the No. 13 pair, could therefore mark a real turning point, both in terms of points and confidence, before their round of 16 match in Bordeaux.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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