We expected a high-level battle, and we weren't disappointed. The second semi-final of the Italy Major lived up to all expectations, with an intense duel between the world's number ones. Ariana Sánchez and Paula Josemaría and the ambitious ones Bea González and Claudia Fernández, seeded 3.

A first anthology set

From the very first exchanges, the four players displayed an exceptional level of play. The arm wrestling took place, mainly in the left diagonal, where Ari Sánchez gradually gains the upper hand over Bea GonzálezAt 2/2, the number 1 pair manages to break, but the reaction is not long in coming: Bea raises the tone and makes the difference, while Paula Josemaría goes through a more delicate passage.

The number 3s then adjusted their game plan and targeted Josemaría. A strategy that paid off since González and Fernández manage to break at the best moment (5/5) after having let several opportunities slip away.

The money-time is breathtaking. At 6/5, Bea and Claudia acquire three set points, but Paula and Ari fought back to win the tie-break. The deciding game was a summary of the set: hooked, tense, spectacular. After saving a set point, The number 1s ended up winning 9-7 on an unforced error from Claudia Fernandez, after 1h38 of a very high level fight.

One number sums up the first round: González and Fernández converted only one break point from 13 opportunities, proof of their lack of realism in key moments.

Paula Josemaría's awakening in the second set

Carried by this first set won narrowly, Josemaría and Sánchez briefly release their intensity, and their opponents took advantage of this to break right away. But the reaction was swift. Paula, who had been struggling until then, raised her level and takes over the controls in the right diagonal, well accompanied by an Ari who is always so consistent.

The Spanish duo breaks at 3/2, then continues four consecutive games to conclude the match 6/3. As often, It was their experience that made the difference, especially in the most tense moments.

The number 1s are holding up, the number 3s are frustrated but promising

The match was one of rare intensity. Every point was contested, every exchange tense. González and Fernández may have regrets : 4 set points in the first set, a break lead in the second… but also stats to think about with only 1 break point converted out of 13. Nevertheless, Their performance confirms their status as a serious threat to the world top.

On their side, Paula Josemaría and Ari Sánchez prove that they know how to suffer and respond in the big events. Finalists in 2023, champions in 2024, They will play a third final in a row in Rome, this time against Triay and Brea, for a duel that we had not seen since Brussels P2.

Note that the match, although in two sets, lasted 2h22, testifying to the intensity and density of each exchange.

See you in the final for a women's padel classic : Josemaría/Sánchez vs Triay/Brea.

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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