Quite unexpected duel for the first 1/2 final of the Master of Marbella. The Alayeto sisters and the duo Riera/Icardo managed to eliminate two favorite pairs from the tournament. In effect, Gabriel Reca's players eliminated the number 2 of the circuit while the twins offered the scalp of Delfi Brea and Bea Gonzalez. For this first in the last four of a major tournament this season, those who have monopolized the top of the padel world for years intended not to waste this opportunity to offer themselves a first final since 2020 on an Open or Master!

This first duel of the last four kept all its promises with a marathon of more than three hours won by the Icardo/Riera pair.

Icardo and Riera in marathon mode

At the start of the meeting, the binoculars impose their rhythm and let their firepower speak. Tamara Icardo and Virginia Riera regain confidence but lack realism in the puntos de oro to come back up to their opponents. Indeed, the Spanish-Argentinian pair won 1 out of a possible 5. Gaby Reca's players show great things, but the Alayeto sisters are more patient and share their experience. Advantage for the Zaragoza players in this first round 6/1.

Icardo Riera - Alayeto set 1

The trend is reversed in the second act: Riera and Icardo take the lead this time. But the latter are still fishing at the finish and let the twins return to the game. The games are engaged, the slightest mistake can be fatal. The Alayeto sisters are less serene than in the first set. The balance of power is reversed in the last game and Riera and Icardo come back to level by equalizing at one set everywhere.

Icardo Riera - Alayeto set 2

Neither pair wants to give in. The Alayeto sisters take a break but once again the Spanish-Argentinian pair does not give up and returns to 4/4. The two pairs stand together and neither manages to tell the difference. The match is played in a decisive tie-break. Intractable in defense and more powerful in attack, Riera and Icardo end up winning after the suspense in a marathon of 3h09: 1/6 6/4 7/6.

Icardo Riera - Alayeto set 3
Icardo Riera - Alayeto match summary

Virginia Riera back in the final of a Masters

The Riera/Icardo sensation continues in Marbella. This is a first final at this level for this duo. Argentina Virginia Riera is used to playing well in Andalusia. In 2021, the 34-year-old had already reached the final of the Master of Marbella with Marbella. The Hispano-Argentinian pair then came up against Josemaria and Sanchez who won 6/2 6/3.

After losing in the Open 500 final in Alicante, Gabriel Reca's players are looking for their first trophy together. Sunday they have an appointment with history. Will they be able to make it to the end? Answer tomorrow from 10am.

Vincent Gallie

A fan of oval football, round ball but also racket sports, he was stung by the padel during his adolescence in Galicia. As comfortable in front of the camera as behind a microphone, Vince will be able to bring his vision and expertise as a fan of the little yellow ball.

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