The legendary story of Sánchez and Josemaría will have two more chapters

Five years and 44 titles later, every match played by Ariana Sánchez and Paula Josemaría now carries the feeling of a possible farewell. For the first time, the most successful partnership in the modern history of women’s padel faced that reality. And the challenge in front of them could hardly have been tougher. Awaiting them were Alejandra Salazar and Martina Calvo — the most decorated player in Tour Finals history alongside the breakout star of the 2025 season. The very same pair who had eliminated Sánchez and Josemaría in the quarter-finals of the Madrid P1, one of just two defeats suffered by Ari and Paula at that stage all year.

The expected balance was evident from the opening game, which alone lasted 18 minutes. Sánchez and Josemaría emerged with the early break, setting the tone. Dominant in attack, almost doubling their opponents’ winner count, forcing eight break points and conceding none, the pair coached by Ángel González and Claudio Gilardoni broke again to secure the opening set 6-2.

Calvo and Salazar responded immediately — and emphatically. Martina Calvo raised her level spectacularly in the second set, committing zero unforced errors while becoming the player with the most winners on court at that stage. Backed by Salazar’s experience, they struck twice to take the second set 6-1 and push the match into a deciding third. There, Sánchez and Josemaría earned the right to say goodbye on Sunday. Delivering a near-perfect final set, they broke in every return game and did not allow their opponents to hold serve even once. With a level of padel reminiscent of both the opening set and the standards they have set throughout their legendary journey, they closed the match 6-1. Final score: 6-2, 1-6, 6-1. A victory that guarantees two more chapters for the most decorated pair in women’s padel history. On Saturday, they will play for a place in the final — and the chance to fight for title number 45.

Speaking after the match, Ari Sánchez reflected on the momentum swings: “We put ourselves in trouble. We started the match very well, then in the second set we lost a bit of intensity, and in the third we went back to what we did in the first.” Josemaría also spoke about the legacy they leave behind: “You’ve never seen us on the bench criticising each other. I think that’s something children can learn from — that you don’t need to speak badly to win titles, even when things aren’t working the way you want.” Sánchez added a final, emotional reflection:
“We’re still not fully aware of everything we’ve achieved together. We’re proud of these five years, of all the numbers and records we’ve broken. It’s something very special, and I hope no one ever surpasses it. When Sunday is over, I think we’ll look back and feel incredibly proud of what we’ve done.” A legendary partnership. A historic legacy. And now, two more chapters still to be written.