The semi-final of  Valladolid Premier Padel P2  across  Paula Josemaría / Bea González  et  Nuria Rodríguez / Giulia Dal Pozzo  will inevitably be marked by a major controversy.

While the qualifiers  Rodríguez / Dal Pozzo  were very close to a historic achievement, an umpire's decision in the third set completely changed the dynamics of the match.

Rodríguez / Dal Pozzo close to the feat

Coming from  qualifications ,  Nuria Rodriguez and Giulia Dal Pozzo  were having an exceptional tournament. Against the second seed, they had already managed to come back in the match after losing the first set.  6/0 , by winning the second round  6/4 .

In the third set, they were leading  4/2 , with a break advantage. At that point, an upset seemed possible. A victory would have allowed them to become the  first pair from the qualifications  to reach a final on the circuit Premier Padel.

But at  4/2 ,  15/30 One action changed everything.

A controversial shot at the worst possible moment

On a return from  Bea González The ball appears to hit a part located above the side window.  Giulia Dal Pozzo  immediately thinks the ball is out, while  Nuria Rodríguez  They're already starting to celebrate the point.

But the umpire doesn't call it a fault. Dal Pozzo then tries to continue the rally. Problem: by playing the ball, the Rodríguez/Dal Pozzo pair loses the opportunity to request a video review.

The ball is therefore called in. The point goes to  Josemaría / González , who get two break points.

In the aftermath, the favorites return to  4/3 then they continue their winning streak.  6/4  in the third set.

The frustration of Nuria Rodríguez

Tensions immediately rose on the track.  Nuria Rodríguez  She did not hide her incomprehension and anger after this decision, believing that the ball should have been called out, “you can’t steal from me like that” she told the referee.

According to several replays, the ball did indeed appear to have touched an area outside the court. This action understandably generated a lot of discussion, especially given its timing in the match.

The audience of the  Plaza Mayor  also reacted, with boos at the moment of the victory  Josemaría / González This proves that this decision has made a lasting impression.

Bea González calms things down

After the meeting,  Bea González  She was keen to calm the situation. She reminded everyone that no one was trying to “steal” from anyone, and that the four players simply wanted to play padel.

She also explained that this kind of situation can happen in moments of high tension, with very high heart rates and a ball that is difficult to judge in the moment.

A measured reaction, in an inevitably tense context.

A cruel end for Dal Pozzo / Rodríguez

From a sporting perspective, the frustration is immense for  Rodríguez / Dal Pozzo The Spanish-Italian pair were just a few games away from a historic final, after a remarkable run since the qualifiers.

They leave Valladolid with many regrets, but also with the confirmation that they have taken a step forward. Their semi-final in this P2, after already a very good run in the Italy Major This allows them to become even more established in the landscape.

Starting with the next tournament at  Bordeaux  They will also leave with a new status, as the number 12 pair in the tournament.

A controversy that reignites the debate

This action also reignites the debate surrounding refereeing and the use of video replay. In such a crucial moment, a single decision can decide a semi-final, or even the entire course of the game.

In Valladolid, that ball will remain the turning point of the match.  Josemaría / González It paves the way for a new final. For  Rodríguez / Dal Pozzo It leaves a very bitter taste, at the end of what was nevertheless an exceptional tournament.

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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