It will be Spain-Argentina once again: the historic rivalry will decide the title in Doha. Triay: “We must be careful, the Albiceleste are stronger than in 2024”. Reca: “We will not give up until we step on court”

• It will be the seventh consecutive final between the two national teams, who secured their places after eliminating France and Italy respectively in the first two matches of their semi-finals. Qatar will host the very best that world padel has to offer

DOHA – The historic rivalry, which dates back to the 2014 edition in Palma de Mallorca, will reach its seventh consecutive chapter on Saturday at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The FIP World Cup women’s final will once again be contested between Spain and Argentina: La Roja have won the last six titles, while the Albiceleste have claimed silver on all six occasions.

 

 

Both teams, led by captains Carolina Navarro and Rodri Ovide and Gaby Reca respectively, wrapped up their semi-finals after the first two matches. Spain defeated France thanks to Paula Josemaria and Gemma Triay, who beat Lea Godallier and Clara Mansart 6-3 6-1, followed by Claudia Fernandez and Bea Gonzalez, who recorded a 6-0 6-0 win over Lea Godallier and Louise Bahurel. Argentina, meanwhile, secured their place in the final with a 6-2 6-2 victory for Aranzazu Osoro and Martina Fassio over Italy‘s Caterina Baldi and Giulia Sussarello, followed by Delfi Brea and Claudia Jensen’s 6-2 6-3 win against Giulia Dal Pozzo and Giorgia Marchetti.

 

 

Experience and youth appear to be the perfect combination for both Spain and Argentina. “I tell the newcomers to enjoy this experience as much as possible and make the most of being here to represent Spain at another World Cup”, said Gemma Triay. “They are very young and, honestly, it is a pleasure to share this week with them. Spain has a great future ahead: some very strong players are coming through the junior categories”. Gemma, who partners Delfi Brea on the Premier Padel circuit, could face her team-mate on Saturday. “We absolutely cannot afford to let our guard down because Argentina are stronger than they were two years ago. We must stay fully focused, prepare well for every match, fight and enjoy ourselves”.

 

 

 

Carolina Navarro has experienced plenty of World Cup finals, yet “at the end of the national anthem I had to wipe away my tears, because it is truly an incredible feeling. No matter how many times it happens to you, it remains extraordinary. I think we are lucky to be here representing millions of people”. As for the strength of the team, Carolina has no doubts: “Yes, this is the best Spanish national team in history. An incredible team”.

 

There is still one final hurdle to overcome: the match against Argentina. It will be the first World Cup final for Martina Calvo and Andrea Ustero, who have developed over recent months and years into two of the strongest players in the world. “We simply have to enjoy the moment, whether we play or not”, they explained. “We are very relaxed because we have the best players and the strongest team, so we have complete confidence in whoever is selected. We know that everyone will give 100%. You don’t get to play in a World Cup final every day”.

 

 

 

Argentina last reached the final two years ago and, in each of the last six editions, have had to settle for second place. One thing is certain: the Albiceleste will have plenty of support in Doha too. “We could be on the Moon and our fans would still be there; we could be on Mars and they would still be with us. We are in Qatar and they are here too”, said Aranzazu Osoro. “I don’t know whether we will be able to put Spain under pressure, but they will certainly give us a huge boost, and that is what matters to us. We want them to support us and help us produce our best”. While Spain could field Ustero and Calvo, Argentina have a new name in their ranks: Victoria Vilchez, born in 2010, who is about to experience something entirely new. “This is an unforgettable week for me and I am enjoying it in the best possible way. My team-mates are all great players and wonderful team-mates, both on and off the court. I am truly happy to be here and to share this experience with them”.

 

 

 

On court, Delfi Brea and Claudia Jensen did well to turn around a match that had become difficult in the second set. “Our job was to do our best and we knew we would have our chances”, Delfi said. “This result gives us a lot of confidence for tomorrow, regardless of whether the same line-up is confirmed. We both have the confidence we need to put in a good performance”.

 

Carolina Navarro on one side and Gaby Reca on the other will have a major responsibility: selecting the strongest possible line-up. “The reason we announce our selections so close to the match is precisely to keep everyone involved and focused”, Gaby explained. “We want to avoid any disappointment, because when the line-up is announced, those who are not playing can sometimes feel a little down and start discussing it with their team-mates. This is a fantastic team and it has shown that throughout the week. We want to hold on to the little chance we have and we believe we can win. We will not give up until we step on court”. That’s the beauty of padel.