This is undoubtedly one of the biggest upsets of the season on the women's circuit. In the semi-finals of the  Valencia Premier Padel P1 ,  Ari Sánchez and Andrea Ustero  have taken down the world number 1s  Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea  at the end of a huge battle  2:38 , on the score of  7/5 2/6 6/4 .

A victory that puts an end to an exceptional run of  13 consecutive finals  for Triay and Brea. Since the start of the season, the world number ones had never been eliminated before the final. This time, Sánchez and Ustero managed to upset the queens of the circuit.

 A first set won through sheer willpower 

The match starts at a high pace with both teams very solid on their service games.

In this first act,  Ari Sánchez  is already showing impressive consistency, while Andrea Ustero  She unleashed her full left-handed power. The young Spaniard racked up winners and frequently took the initiative in the rallies. Despite an early break from Triay and Brea, the world number 3s, she broke back immediately and launched her match into life.

At 5-5, the turning point of the set arrived. Triay and Brea made several uncharacteristic errors at a crucial moment, giving their opponents an opening. Sánchez and Ustero immediately capitalized, breaking serve and then closing out the set.  7/5 .

 The reaction of the world's number 1 players 

As has often been the case this season, Triay and Brea react with authority.

In the second set, the intensity dropped for Ustero. The young player forced her game more, committed several unforced errors and gradually lost her effectiveness.

Faced with this dip in form, Triay and Brea stepped up their game. More aggressive and consistent, they quickly took control of the match.

Despite a consistently solid performance from Ari Sánchez, the world number ones cruised to victory and deservedly leveled the match at one set apiece thanks to a net  6/2 .

 Ustero turns everything around in the third set 

But this semi-final is about to take another turn.

Reinvigorated by her partner,  Andrea Ustero regained his full intensity in the decisive set More accurate in her choices, more aggressive in her movements, she is once again becoming a determining factor.

Alongside her, Ari Sánchez is probably having one of her best games of the season. Highly consistent, tactically impeccable, and invaluable in crucial moments, she constantly keeps the pressure on Triay and Brea.

The world's number 3 teams quickly take control and lead  5/2 .

 One last scare before deliverance 

Just when they seem to be heading towards a comfortable victory, the tension resurfaces.

At 5/3, Andrea Ustero rushes a bit, tries several risky shots and allows the world number 1s to get back into the game thanks to a break back.

But unlike in the second set, Sánchez and Ustero did not panic.

Tactically flawless, they immediately regained their composure and sought another break in the following play to finally seal the victory.  6/4 .

 A rematch against Rome and a final within reach 

This victory has a special flavor for Ari Sánchez and Andrea Ustero.

Just a few days ago, they had lost in the final of the Italy Major  facing the same Triay and Brea. This time, they take their revenge and deliver one of the best performances of their season.

They had already beaten the world number 1s during the  Riyadh P1 , first tournament of the year. They repeat this performance today by stopping the most impressive streak on the women's circuit.

Thanks to this victory, Sánchez and Ustero qualify for the final of the  Valence P1 where they will face either  Sofia Araújo and Claudia Fernández , which was the surprise of the tournament  Marta Ortega and Alejandra Alonso .

One thing is for sure: after eliminating the world's number 1s, the world's number 3s will arrive with the status of favorites to try and win another title this season.

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 !

On the same subject

Tags