The pair of Yoan Boronad and Timéo Fonteny left the court visibly frustrated after their defeat against Álex Chozas and Tino Libaak. The following day, the round of 16 match between the Argentinians and Franco Stupaczuk and Mike Yanguas offered a true tactical masterclass. Both matches ultimately tell the same story: against Libaak and Chozas, everything hinges on the details.

"I have the impression that it depends solely on them."

At the change of ends, Yoan Boronad's comment perfectly summed up the feeling left by the match:

"I don't have a solution; I feel like it depends entirely on them."

This impression was understandable, given how much the Argentinians seemed to be dictating the pace. However, their coach Yannick Morel's response was particularly apt:

"We're going to focus on the positives and what's working. We're fighting in all the games.""

The score of the first set (6-0) might suggest a complete domination. The reality on the court was quite different.

A 6-0... which doesn't tell the whole story of the match

Despite this severe 6/0, Boronad and Fonteny obtained two starpoints and several games went to advantage.

Each time, the scenario was the same: the French mounted exceptional defenses, repelled several attacks, and forced their opponents to play an extra move. But this extra move almost always ended up making the difference in favor of Libaak and Chozas.

This ability to prolong the pressure until it provokes the opponent's mistake has become one of the main weapons of the Argentine pair.

Why Stupaczuk and Yanguas found the key

However, the round of 16 showed that there was another way to approach this challenge.

Unlike the French, Stupaczuk and Yanguas never sought to systematically speed up the game. They accepted long rallies, even when they themselves were in an offensive position.

Rather than wanting to finish the point quickly, they took the time to build up play, distribute the ball, and vary the trajectories.

The many  tiny The changes in pace and slower balls gradually deprived Libaak and Chozas of the speed they thrive on. As a result, it was Stupaczuk and Yanguas who had the opportunity to suddenly accelerate, and not the other way around.

Neutralize the vibora before it exists

One technical detail particularly stood out during this match.

On several occasions, Franco Stupaczuk chose to counter Chozas' attacks directly with half-volleys.

The objective was clear: prevent the Argentinian from setting up his vibora after the shot and immediately disrupting the offensive sequence. Prevent him from creating play, as Yannick Morel pointed out on the bench, “A. Chozas is a playmaker.”

This type of adjustment perfectly illustrates the level of tactical reading of the world's best pairs: it is no longer just about defending an attack, but about preventing the opponent from developing their preferred pattern.

Key moments make great teams

Another major difference: the handling of important points.

At 3-1 in the first set, Stupaczuk and Yanguas committed two consecutive errors. Many teams could have lost their lead under pressure.

On the contrary, they remain perfectly lucid and ultimately maintain their break to lead 4/1.

The same scenario played out in the second set. Broken when they seemed to be in control of the match, they never panicked and immediately got back into the match before breaking back at 4-3.

This ability to remain faithful to the game plan despite difficulties was undoubtedly the biggest difference between the two teams.

When patience finally breaks the opponent

The final game was almost an admission of defeat. The last four points were won by Stupaczuk and Yanguas… without having to produce an exceptional winning shot.

They simply benefit from four unforced errors by Libaak and Chozas.

A telling conclusion: the Spanish refused to play into the rhythm imposed by the Argentinians. Through variations, patience, and structured exchanges, they eventually reversed the balance of power.

Where Boronad and Fonteny had often been forced to defend until the breaking point, Yanguas and Stupaczuk gradually brought their opponents into the same situation.

Finally, Yannick Morel's statement makes perfect sense:  The fight was there from the first round, but against a pair of Libaak and Chozas' caliber, it's the details that decide a match. The semi-final simply showed how the very best teams manage to turn those details into a decisive advantage. 

Antoine Tricolet

I discovered the Padel I stumbled into Spain at a campsite. I was instantly hooked; passionate about padel, I follow international and regional news with the same excitement as the sport itself.

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