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After a splendid semifinal lasting nearly two and a half hours, Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria defeated Gonzalez/Fernandez 7-6 6-3, reaching their third final in three years at the BNL Italy Major. On Sunday, they will face their eternal rivals Triay/Brea: at stake, the throne of Rome and the number one spot in the FIP rankings
14 giugno 2025
Ari Sanchez e Paula Josemaria (Foto FITP)
To keep the top position in the FIP world rankings, Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria have only one option: to win the BNL Italy Major for the second consecutive year. A goal that encompasses many others, and now the number ones are one step away, after securing their third final at the Foro Italico in as many appearances. In 2023, they lost to Gemma Triay and Marta Ortega; in 2024, they took the title; and now, a year later, they have another shot, after a thrilling semifinal win over Bea Gonzalez and Claudia Fernandez that lasted 2 hours and 22 minutes for just two sets, 7-6 6-3.
More than just a match, it was a celebration of women’s padel: tactical, dynamic, and thoughtful enough to produce battles not just game by game, but point by point. It showed why Sanchez and Josemaria led the head-to-head 5-1, and why Gonzalez still remains the biggest unfulfilled talent among the Big Six — the only one without a Major title. Her quality is undeniable, but she often struggles in key moments. This was clear in the four missed set points in the 98-minute first set — the longest in Premier Padel history — and in the way Gonzalez/Fernandez lost five straight games after leading 3-1 in the second set, with the decisive break coming from a poor volley error by Bea at the net.
"Against Bea and Claudia, it’s always a tough battle," said Sanchez after the win. "They play at a very high level. To beat them, you have to fight for every point. You can never drop your guard — we did in the first set, and they came right back”. "Was that the longest set in the circuit's history? It definitely felt like it!" joked Josemaria. "But we were brave, and that’s a trait that defines us. It was tough with the heat and humidity, but playing in front of this crowd makes everything more special. Padel would be nothing without all the people who come to watch and support us".
On Sunday, there will be even more fans. Up for grabs: a repeat win in Rome (which would be their fourth title of 2025) and the FIP world number one ranking.