For the first women's semi-final, Paula Josemaria and Ariana Sanchez had almost no choice when entering the Palau Sant Jordi track this morning: in fact, in the event of a defeat, they could lose their status as n #1 worldwide today. To be sure to keep their throne for at least another day, they had to beat their opponents of the day, Patty Llaguno and Virginia Riera. Juanma Rodriguez's players, who announced their separation at the end of the competition, wanted to finish on a high note, and we can say that they succeeded, despite the defeat...

Summary.

At the start of the match, the services are constantly exchanged, with three breaks in the first five games. But it was Patty Llaguno and Virginia Riera, more consistent, who widened the first gap and led 4-2. Opposite, the Sanchez / Josemaria machine is experiencing some failures, in the form of unforced errors, especially on Paula's side.

Feverish Josemaria

While his team was trailing 5-3, Sanchez authoritatively saved a set point on Josemaria's serve, which passed very close to the correctional on a ball that hit the side of the net. But in the next game, Josemaria's feverishness was confirmed with two unforced errors, which gave Llaguno / Riera the win in the first set: 6-4 in 54 minutes.

The second set begins at a leisurely pace, which allows the favorites to lay down their game and erase mistakes. Strategy that pays from Llaguno's first service game, broken on punto de oro after leading 40-15. But immediately, it is Sanchez who loses his service due to a return of precipitation and errors. On Riera's service game, at 30A, an interminable point where the ball hits the boards twice avoids two break points for the waitress. But Riera makes a mistake on the decisive point that follows and loses his commitment. 3-1 for the world No. 1.

At 4-1, Ari and Paula put a new boost and seize the service of Llaguno. We already see them conclude the second set 2-6 on Sanchez's serve, but two set points are not enough: Llaguno and Riera come back to 1-5 on punto de oro, thanks to a superb blocked volley from Virginia. But in the next game, Patty had bad luck and lost her serve (and the set, 2-6) after an unfavorable tape and a ball that grazed par 2 but remained in the field.

Double break ahead

Gustavo Pratto's players have regained the upper hand but are not yet calm. The proof from the opening game of the 3rd set, lost on Josemaria's service after a placement error and a big unforced error for her and her partner. Paula Josemaria is definitely not the best: put under pressure while Ari is in the “fridge”, she alone loses her partner's service game. Llaguno and Riera lead 3-0, with a double break lead!

But the pressure suddenly changed sides, with several unprovoked errors for Riera and Llaguno, which cost them their service game (3-1). Reinforced, the Sanchez/Josemaria pair continues with a white game…

Patty Llaguno retains her serve thanks to three new fouls, including two from Sanchez, who shows signs of frustration (4-2). But confidence seems to return quickly, thanks to a game of service won easily, with authority.

At 30A on Riera's serve, which looks like the key point of the match, and also the longest, is beautifully concluded on a magnificent bajada from Paula. Riera cracks and makes the mistake on the first break point, which puts the two teams in perfect equality: 4-4.

But as nothing is easy or certain in this thrilling match, the outsiders get four chances to steal Josemaria's commitment: the second is the good one. The underdogs lead 5-4, service from Llaguno to follow.

The KO seems close

of a news bajada with finesse, Patty starts the game ideally, but then makes a mistake by charging the grid. Josemaria transcends on a winning passing then a smash before a vibora too long from Riera puts both pairs back at 5-5.

At this stage, each point is a fierce fight, where the knockout seems close. On his serve, Ari Sanchez falters twice but holds the shock on a new breathless punto de oro, which makes the fans exult and triggers an ovation.

On Riera's service, a new fantastic and victorious fight offers two tie-break points to the outsiders: the first is converted! This match, started 2h47 earlier, could not end otherwise.

Juanma Rodriguez's players achieve the first mini-break, but it is erased two points later. Each team then holds their serve until Ari and Paula take the lead 4-3, then 5-3 and 6-3 on a spike from Paula that hits Virginia.

A last bajada winner and Ari Sanchez can collapse in relief and jump into Josemaria's arms after 2:55 of a beautiful fight. But like yesterday, it was very hard against a pair Llaguno/Riera who for their last match showed admirable consistency and courage.

The defending champions are therefore in the final, and they will have their destiny in their hands whatever happens to try to finish the season in first place. Will they find Salazar and Triay tomorrow for a fifth consecutive final and a fight for the throne? Answer from 17 p.m. on Canal + Sport 360.

After 40 years of tennis, Jérôme falls into the pot of padel in 2018. Since then, he thinks about it every morning while shaving… but never shaves pala in hand! Journalist in Alsace, he has no other ambition than to share his passion with you, whether you speak French, Italian, Spanish or English.

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