The FIP Platinum Tirana is nearing its conclusion, and few would have imagined such a scenario at the beginning of the week. Between the early eliminations of several top seeds and the remarkable runs of several outsiders, the semi-finals are shaping up to be particularly unpredictable, both in the men's and women's competitions.

In the women's competition, four pairs can dream of the title.

The women's draw gradually lost its bearings as the week progressed. As a result, the four pairs still in contention seem to have what it takes to reach the final… and even lift the trophy on Sunday.

Attention will initially be focused on the first semi-final between  Alejandra Salazar / Ale Alonso  et  Aranza Osoro / Victoria Iglesias .

Finalists of the  FIP Platinum Marseille  A few months ago, Salazar and Alonso arrived as favorites. But the task looks difficult against a pair who have been gradually regaining their best form since the return to competition of Aranza Osoro  after her brief injury. Argentina and Victoria Iglesias have the qualities to upset any team and could turn this match into a long battle.

In the other semi-final, the sensation of the tournament is undoubtedly the presence of  Nuria Rodriguez and Giulia Dal Pozzo Their victory in the quarter-finals against the No. 3 seed  Bea Caldera / Carmen Goenaga  confirmed that they would have to be relied upon until the very end.

In front of them,  Marina Guinart and Veronica Virseda  They start with a slight advantage thanks to their experience and consistency over the past few months. But after Rodríguez and Dal Pozzo's performances this week, it's difficult to completely rule out another upset.

FIP Platinum Tirana – Semi-finals more open than ever in Albania

Gala and Jensen dream of a new feat

In men, one pair naturally attracts attention:  David Gala and Enzo Jensen .

The two young players are having an exceptional week in Albania. After eliminating the No. 2 seed  Coki Nieto / Jon Sanz They confirmed their state of grace by also dominating  Alex Ruiz / Juanlu Esbrí  in the quarter-finals.

Fueled by complete confidence and great synergy on the track, they will now try to take another step forward against  Martin Di Nenno and Jairo Bautista .

The Argentinian and the Spaniard have so far been in complete control of their tournament. Solid in the crucial moments, they have never truly been troubled and seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect time. Against the exuberance of Gala and Jensen, however, their experience could prove a decisive advantage.

FIP Platinum Tirana – the Gala/Jensen sensation continues, Di Nenno regains his form

Arce and Arroyo face the ultimate test

The other men's semi-final pits two teams against each other who arrive with very different dynamics.

On the one hand,  Franco Stupaczuk and Mike Yanguas The top seeds have already had to work hard several times since the start of the tournament. The favorites played two matches to three sets, in the round of 1 and then in the quarterfinals, proof that they haven't had anything easy yet in Albania.

The other,  Maxi Arce and Álex Arroyo  continue to impress. Arce confirms tournament after tournament that he has the level to compete with the best players on the circuit, while Arroyo seems to be gradually rediscovering the version of himself that had allowed him to reach the very highest world level.

Together, the two men exude impressive confidence and appear to be one of the week's biggest revelations. It remains to be seen whether this will be enough against a number 1 seed who may well have saved his best for the final days of the competition.

Semi-final program

Central track

 15:00 
Ale Salazar / Ale Alonso vs Aranza Osoro / Victoria Iglesias

 Not before 17 p.m.  
Martín Di Nenno / Jairo Bautista vs David Gala / Enzo Jensen

 Not before 19 p.m.  
Nuria Rodríguez / Giulia Dal Pozzo vs Marina Guinart / Verónica Virseda

 Not before 21 p.m.  
Franco Stupaczuk / Mike Yanguas vs Maxi Arce / Álex Arroyo

ORDER-OF-PLAY-FRIDAY-29-MAY-2026Download
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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