Almaty: thrills and twists, finalist pairs confirmed

High-level action was expected and delivered in Almaty, with four closely contested semi-finals – three of them decided in a third set – highlighting a FIP Gold event of the highest standard. The day secured a place in Sunday’s final at 16:00 local time (13:00 CET) for Martin Di Nenno and Momo Gonzalez against Javi Leal and Pablo Lijó, while the women’s title match at 14:00 (11:00 CET) will feature Aranzazu Osoro and Victoria Iglesias against Jessica Castelló and Lorena Rufo.

 

WOMEN At Add Padel, it was Osoro/Iglesias who secured the first place in the final after a hard-fought match against Jimena Velasco and Marta Barrera. They nearly let slip a double break advantage in the opening set (eventually won 7-5), and then saw their opponents come back in the second (5-7) after another early break, before closing the match 6-3 in the third and celebrating on court. “We had some ups and downs, but we played as a team and our opponents delivered a great performance,” said Iglesias after the match. Osoro also reflected on her return from a hand injury: “Coming back in Miami was a gift, but I promised Victoria that I would play much better here, and that’s what happened.”

 

Jessica Castelló and Lorena Rufo (3) required only two sets to defeat the experienced pairing of Lucia Sainz and Ana Nogueira (6-4 7-5), although the match featured a decisive turning point that denied what seemed a likely third set. Trailing 2-5 in the second and facing 0-40 in the game that changed the match, Castelló/Rufo saved three set points, held serve, and then broke in the following game to move towards victory. “I thank Jessica for encouraging me and giving me energy at the most difficult moment,” said Rufo, while Castelló added: “It was Lorena who played almost at a perfect level.”

 

MEN The leading contenders in the men’s draw also met expectations. Martin Di Nenno and Momo Gonzalez continue their run towards the title after what was, on paper, the most balanced match of the day, once again decided by a decisive late surge. Against Curro Cabeza and Mariano Gonzalez – the latter one of the standout performers of the week – Martin and Momo took the first set 6-3 in just over 20 minutes, before conceding a break in the sixth game of the second set and allowing the number five seeds to level the match (6-3).

 

The third set remained evenly balanced and was decided in a dramatic finish: at 6-5 for Di Nenno/Gonzalez, with Curro and Mariano leading 40-0 and close to forcing a tie-break, the top seeds overturned the situation by winning five consecutive points to secure their place in the final. “We are very happy to reach tomorrow’s final; it will be difficult, but we will give it our best,” said the winners after the match, before praising their opponents: “They are very young but extremely talented – they are the future of this sport.” Their opponents in the final will be Javi Leal and Pablo Lijó, who defeated the tournament surprises Adrian Naranjo and Pablo Sanchez in three sets (6-3 4-6 6-4).