Javi Leal and Fran Guerrero seemed to have their place in the round of 7 secured after winning the first set 6-2 against Flavio Abbate and Alonso Rodríguez. Two tiebreaks later, however, the seventh seeds were eliminated from Madrid P1, defeated 2-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(6). Beyond the result, the manner of their defeat raises questions: in the decisive moments, their game gradually became disorganized, with Guerrero playing at an excessive level and Leal increasingly less involved. 

A first set that was almost one-sided

For one set, Leal and Guerrero controlled the match. More aggressive and better positioned at the net, the two Andalusians quickly got the measure of a partnership that was playing in its first tournament: Flavio Abbate and Alonso Rodríguez.

The initial 6-2 scoreline reflected this superiority. Leal and Guerrero seemed particularly clearer in their shot selection. Their distribution was working, and the seventh seed prevented his opponents from establishing any rhythm in the rallies.

But this control never translated into victory. Abbate and Rodríguez gradually raised their game, without drastically altering the course of the match. They simply held their own, extended the rallies, and forced the favorites to win the game a second time. It was precisely at this stage that the dynamic shifted.

Guerrero loses his composure in the second set tie-break

The second set remained evenly matched until the tiebreak. It was then that the first signs of tension became visible between Leal and Guerrero.

Guerrero, who had been very active and enterprising until then, made two uncharacteristic errors on easy volleys. At the same time, several of his lobs lacked depth. Against a left-hander like Flavio Abbate, leaving the ball at hitting height above the right shoulder is an invitation. The Italian was able to exploit these short trajectories with his smash, particularly on par 3s, and maintain constant pressure on Guerrero's crosscourt shot.

These errors alone don't define the tie-break, won 7-4 by Abbate and Rodríguez. However, they do illustrate the turning point. Guerrero continued to take responsibility for the game, but his activity became rushed. The situation primarily demanded regaining some breathing room and putting Leal back at the heart of the strategy.

At one set apiece, the match that the Andalusians had dominated was completely turned around.

Leal was put "on ice," and Guerrero eventually forced his way through.

The third set followed a similar pattern. No lasting gap opened up, and qualification was once again decided by a tie-break. This time, the problem became collective.

Abbate and Rodríguez managed to reduce Javi Leal's influence by directing a large part of the rallies towards Guerrero. The left-hand player found himself increasingly "on ice," as the saying goes: present on the court, but deprived of the volume of balls needed to truly impact the point.

This distribution of play would have required a tactical response: more space for Leal and more patience from Guerrero to create a playable ball for his partner. However, in the final stages of the match, the opposite occurred. Guerrero continued to try and make the difference, notably with increasingly forced lobs. Their inaccuracy gave Abbate the aerial opportunities he was seeking.

The final tie-break, lost 8 points to 6, thus condensed the pair's difficulties: a Leal who was not supplied enough, a Guerrero who was forced — or felt forced — to take on an excessive part of the game, and an organization that did not readjust when the tension increased.

A mental fragility, but above all a lack of collective lucidity

Going from a first-set victory of 6-2 to a 7-6, 7-6 defeat inevitably raises questions about their mental game. Leal and Guerrero had the match under control, then their play faltered as each mistake became more costly. In Madrid, they gave the impression of a pair still fragile when they have to close out a match that is starting to slip away from them.

It would be too simplistic, however, to conclude that they don't know how to handle decisive moments. In Pretoria, they eliminated Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger after winning a tiebreak 13-11 in the third set. In the final, they then pushed Galán and Chingotto to 9-7 in another tiebreak. This pair has therefore already demonstrated that they can remain competitive under maximum pressure.

The defeat in Madrid reveals a more specific weakness: when their initial plan breaks down, Leal and Guerrero don't always quickly find a common structure. Guerrero increases his work rate and takes more risks; Leal, less involved, gradually disappears from the game. Their power remains intact, but their play becomes more predictable and their margin for error shrinks.

Abbate and Rodríguez deserve credit for holding firm, targeting the right areas, and capitalizing on openings. However, Leal and Guerrero made their task easier during the two most crucial moments of the match.

This elimination doesn't diminish the potential of a pair capable of beating the best. It serves as a reminder of their next step: learning to slow down, reorganize, and better share responsibilities when the score gets tight. In Madrid, the problem wasn't dominating. It was closing out the game.

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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