This Saturday at the Foro Italico, Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero almost created the huge surprise of this Italy Major 2025. Opposed to Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia, the world number 1, the Spanish outsiders delivered an XXL performance before losing in three sets: 6/7 6/2 6/2.

A perfect first set for the outsiders

From the very first exchanges, the tone was set: the two pairs traded blows at a fast pace. The service games flowed smoothly, The returns lack sharpness on both sides, and no break point is converted. But at 5-4, Leal and Guerrero raise their voices : Guerrero hurts Coello badly in the left diagonal with its perfectly placed vibra, while Leal, is imperial at smashing.

Leal and Guerrero even got a set point, narrowly saved by Coello and Tapia, true to their reputation as warriors in the heat of the moment. The tiebreak was breathtaking, and it was the outsiders who won 9-7, after a first high intensity set.

Credit Premier Padel

The clinical reaction of number 1s

With their backs to the wall for the first time in the tournament, Coello and Tapia react like world number 1sFrom the start of the second set, they imposed their rhythm. Tapia regains his smash precision, while Coello, much more incisive than at the start of the match, clearly takes the upper hand over Guerrero.

Opposite, Leal and Guerrero lower their intensity, accumulating unforced errors. They were no longer able to keep up with the pace set by the Argentinian-Spanish pair, who were racking up winning points. The second set went by quickly: 6/2 for favorites.

In the third round, Coello and Tapia's domination is total. Numbers 1, undefeated in Major semi-finals since Qatar 2023, move up a gear, leaving only crumbs for their opponents. Final score: 6/7 6/2 6/2.

An encouraging performance nonetheless for Leal and Guerrero

Despite the defeat, Fran Guerrero and Javi Leal can go out with their heads held high. For only their third tournament together, they reached a Major semi-final, becoming the lowest ranked pair (TS13) to reach this stage of the competition this season. Better yet: They are the only ones to have taken a set from Coello / Tapia this week in Rome.

The duo showed real potential and a high level of play, especially in the first set. There is no doubt that with this momentum, They will quickly return to this type of meeting.

A final shock to conclude in style

On their side, Coello and Tapia confirm their status. Already crowned in Riyadh, Doha, Brussels and Buenos Aires this season, they will play their 28th final in Premier Padel, with 22 titles already to their credit. It will be their third consecutive final in Rome, after their coronation in 2023 and their defeat in 2024… precisely against Galan and Chingotto, whom they will meet again in a highly anticipated final.

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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