Spain secure women’s gold: Sainz-Llaguno and Velasco-Rodriguez set for a derby in the final

A Thursday to remember for the Spanish national team: Patty Llaguno-Lucia Sainz and Nuria Rodriguez-Jimena Velasco booked their places in the women’s final of the XX Mediterranean Games with victories in the day’s two semi-finals, ensuring their country will take home the gold medal. This result is particularly significant as it comes in padel’s debut edition at the competition. Tomorrow, 28 August, the four players will meet in an all-Spanish final that promises a high-level contest on court: neither pair has dropped a set to their opponents throughout the tournament.

 

In the first semi-final, played on the Centre Court at the Parco del Mediterraneo Salinella in Taranto in front of a large crowd, Llaguno and Sainz defeated the Italian pairing of Carolina Orsi-Giorgia Marchetti (6-3 6-4). The Spaniards, both former world No. 1s, drew on their experience at the crucial moments. The two break points converted by Sainz and Llaguno proved decisive: one in the first set, when Spain led 3-2, and the other in the second, when the score was level at 3-3. The ‘Azzurre’, meanwhile, were unable to convert the break points they had during the match. In Taranto these days, alongside the sporting competitions, there is a real sense of celebration. Llaguno and Sainz were impressed by the atmosphere and the beauty of this competition: “We have also played at the World Championships, but the atmosphere at the Mediterranean Games is truly unique, something completely different from everything else.” Sainz will play another final in the colours of her national team after reaching the final of the FIP Euro Padel Cup 2025, when Spain defeated France 2-0.

 

Next, again on Centre Court, the Rodriguez-Velasco duo recorded a convincing victory over the Portuguese pairing of Sofia Araujo-Ana Catarina Nogueira (6-2 6-1). The Spaniards took control of the match from the first game, when they broke their opponents’ serve. Then, at 3-1, they won another game on return to take a decisive grip on the set, which they won 6-2. The second set followed the same pattern, with Rodriguez and Velasco securing four breaks of serve (while conceding one at 5-0) to book their place in the final. “We are proud to represent our country for the first time, and doing so here at the Mediterranean Games makes it even more satisfying,” said Velasco. “I am happy that our teammates have also reached the final. Tomorrow we will try to take the final step and win the gold medal.” Rodriguez also spoke about the upcoming match: “I think it will be a very tough match. By now, the four of us know each other very well, but I think we will enjoy it. All four of us are Spanish. We all want the gold.”

 

Despite her disappointment at this defeat, Araujo, No. 8 in the FIP Ranking, has not yet finished her Mediterranean Games campaign. On ‘Super Friday’, 28 August – the day on which the medals in all three draws (men’s, women’s and mixed) will be awarded – she will play two matches: the mixed gold medal final alongside her brother Pedro, against Giulia Dal Pozzo and Marco Cassetta (Italy), and the bronze medal match against Orsi and Marchetti.