No final crown for Ari and Paula as González and Fernández prevail

As if it were a reflection of the entire season, the No. 2 and No. 3 pairs faced off on Saturday — in their 10th meeting of the year — with a place in the final against the world No. 1s at stake. Ariana Sánchez and Paula Josemaría arrived with the upper hand, having won seven of the previous nine encounters between the two teams.

With those numbers in mind, Claudia Fernández and Bea González came out determined to settle the score. They imposed their rhythm from the outset and stayed in front throughout the opening set, despite Sánchez and Josemaría creating six break-point opportunities they were unable to convert. At the sharp end, González led the way offensively to secure the first blow of the match, 6-4.

The defining battle of the contest unfolded in the opening game of the second set. After 17 minutes and 10 break points, Fernández and González — buoyed by their first-set advantage — managed to break and start the set in the best possible way. Riding that momentum, they struck again in the following return game to open up a 3-0 lead and take control heading into the first bench break.

Sánchez and Josemaría, true to everything they represent in women’s padel, refused to bow out quietly. The legendary pair saved two match points, one of them producing one of the highlights of the week: an extraordinary behind-the-back block from Ari Sánchez, finished with a winning backhand volley. The moment extended the contest, but could not change its outcome.

González and Fernández ultimately closed out the victory 6-4, 6-2, booking their place in Sunday’s final, where they will fight for their first-ever Tour Finals title. Sánchez and Josemaría, meanwhile, will bring their remarkable partnership to a close by competing for third place.

After the match, González reflected on the significance of the moment:

“My only goal today was to enjoy the match. Just being able to compete here this week has been a huge effort for me, and I’m very proud.”

Fernández looked ahead with confidence to the final:

“We’ve beaten them on all types of courts. We’re playing very well on slow conditions and we can do it again. I’d love to finish the year in the best possible way. We’re going to give everything and see if we can win this tournament.”

One last challenge remains — and a chance to crown a season-long journey on the biggest stage.