The second semi-final du FIP GOLD of Lyon offered us a great show, pitting two big pairs against each other: Pablo Lijó et Gonzalo Rubio, seeded number 5 in the tournament, facing Alex Chozas et Leo Augsburger seed number 3 in the tournament.

First set to the advantage of the Argentinians

Chozas/Augsburger started very strongly with an early break, imposing their usual aggressive game and disrupting their opponents enormously. Leo Augsburger, in great shape, fully exploits his qualities as an attacker while remaining solid in defense, with very few mistakes, a weakness that can sometimes cause him problems. For their part, Lijó/Rubio struggle to get into the game but eventually improve their game. However, Chozas/Augsburger maintain their high level, allowing them to conclude the first round with a golden point at 5-3.

First set: 6-3

Rubio/Lijó tactically stronger in the second set

The start of the second set was marked by an entry break for Rubio/Lijo, who win a golden point. But Augsburger/Chozas immediately responded by unlocking the score. Continuing their momentum, the Argentinians were very effective at the net and succeeded in their smashes while limiting direct errors. This allowed them to secure their service games. Opposite, Blond et Lijo hang on slowing down the game, and Blond is more accurate on high balls, bothering the Argentines and causing errors. 5-5, they achieve a decisive break and continue with their service game, taking advantage of their opponents' dejection.

Second set: 5-7

Third set very close

In this last set, Chozas/Augsburger seem a little demotivated, making mistakes, while Rubio/Lijo continue their momentum, managing a break at 1-1. The Spanish dominate on high balls, forcing the Argentinians to play at the back of the court, where they end up cracking. But at 3-2, the Argentinians change strategy, blocking more often at the net and thus disrupting the Spanish game. This allows them to recover the break they lost. This break relaunches the Argentinians, who encourage themselves more and confirm their service game. Regaining their aggressiveness, they manage to break at the best moment, at 5-4.

Victory for Chozas/Augsburger: 6-3, 5-7, 6-4

Another victory in three sets for Chozas/Augsburger, who will face in the final Bautista/Guerrero, winners in two sets against Carlos Perez Cabeza et Adrian Ronco Lopez in the other semi-final. Favorites for this final, will the Argentinians manage to maintain a high level of play after a physically demanding week with all their matches won in three sets?

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 !

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