European Games in Poland
It's a semi-final day here in Krakow, Poland for these European Games. And if there is one thing that strikes when looking at the different tables, it is the dominant presence of the Spanish pairs.
In the men's draw, there is a Spanish pair in each semi-final. It is the same in the women's table, as well as in the mixed. In total, 6 Spanish teams out of 12. Although Spain is unquestionably the number 1 nation in the padel in Europe, it is still surprising, given that they did not send their best players and put forward very young athletes. It's a testament to how far ahead they still are.”
Italy is also very present during this competition. They managed to place a pair in a men's semi-final, a pair in each of the women's semi-finals, and even a pair in the mixed – which incidentally triumphed against a Spanish pair. They thus represent 4 teams out of the 12 possible in these semi-finals, easily asserting themselves as the dolphins of Spain on the European scene.
As for Portugal, they have only one team representing them in the men's doubles. Similarly, France currently facing a pair from Spain to qualify for the mixed doubles final. The last hopes of a medal then rested on Lucille Pothier and Thomas Leygue.