This Saturday evening took place the last ladies' semi-final of the WPT Valladolid Master. After the feat achieved by Beatriz Gonzalez and Delfina Brea facing number 1, it was the turn of Virginia Riera – Tamara Icardo and Gemma Triay – Marta Ortega to enter the fray.

Favorites put to the test

A very interesting first set marked the start of the match.

Indeed, this rather balanced first round saw two solid duos face off, each implementing their strategy and seeking to exploit the weaknesses of their opponents. Neck and neck for several games, it was finally Virginia Riera and Tamara Icardo who managed to take the lead in this first round. The Spanish-Argentinian pair managed to set their pace and prove more decisive against Martita and Gemma, who seemed somewhat behind.

Tamara Icardo and Virginia Riera Valladolid Master 2023

A backlash that was to be expected

Stung to the quick, the Spaniards reacted without delay. Refusing to be surprised as in the first set, the two compatriots adopted a more offensive approach. The young Madrid player, on the right flank, blocked everything and built the game with great finesse, offering her partner several good points which quickly gave them the advantage (5/2). Gemma and Marta thus took the lead, instilling doubt in their opponents. The message was clear, this second round would be theirs. After a last effort, they reset the counters and offered the public who came in large numbers a last round.

At the end of the suspense

Building on their performance in the second set, the native of Valencia and her teammate started the third set well, managing to take a slight advantage over their opponents. However, that was not enough. The four players present on the court surrendered blow for blow. Neither team wanted to let go. Neither the heat nor fatigue caused the four players to falter. Even if Riera seemed the most physically damaged with cramps that appeared in the 3rd game of the 3rd set. After more than 2h45 of play and a most distressing tie-break, it was finally Gemma Triay and Marta Ortega who won and thus won their ticket to the final.

Final score: 6/4 – 2/6 – 7/6

The proteges of Rodrigo Ovide and Maxi Grabiel will therefore face Delfina Brea and Beatriz Gonzalez this Sunday for an expected revenge. Remember, last week, the latter won the semi-finals in Toulouse against Gemma and Martita with a severe score of 6/3 – 6/0. One thing is certain, this time, the Spaniards will do everything possible to reverse the outcome of this meeting.

See you tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. to follow the ladies' final on WPT TV.

Sebastien Carrasco

Future naturopath and passionate about padel, Seb is the health/food gentleman of Padel Magazine. He juggles between pala, quinoa and essential oils. For almost two years now he has been dealing with the news of the little yellow ball with the same passion.

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