It will once again be Ale Galan against Juan Lebron. Following their respective quarter-final victories, the two former partners will compete for a place in the final of the Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1. The Chingalan pair defeated Argentina’s Tino Libaak and Gonza Alfonso (6-3, 7-6). “There is no doubt that we found ourselves in a very difficult situation at the end of the second set,” said Chingotto. “But in the end, we managed to find a lot of positive energy and respond when we were trailing 5-6 in the second set and Gonza and Tino had three set points. Ale was incredible at the crucial moments. We were up against a pair in excellent form, so we are very pleased with this victory. When we started playing together, I promised Ale that I would give 100% until the end, and that is what I will do. But we have to focus on tomorrow, when we face another difficult match.” Galan also reflected on the Milan P1: “This has been a week full of emotions.”
In the other match, which brought the fifth day’s programme to a close, Lebron and Augsburger defeated Javi Garrido and Juani De Pascual (7-6, 6-3). After a closely contested first set, the third seeds dominated the tie-break. In the second set, Lebron and Augsburger controlled the game without facing any major difficulties. “I am very pleased with the victory. It was a really tough match. We have to try to maintain a high level, as we did today, throughout the tournament. We are working to improve in every aspect,” said Lebron. Augsburger also commented on the result: “I would like to congratulate our opponents, Juani De Pascual and Javi Garrido. They showed a very high level throughout the week. It was not easy, as they managed every moment of the match and put us under pressure.” Asked how he would prepare for tomorrow’s match, Lebron joked: “We will sleep, wake up, eat and then go out on court.”
The two pairs have already faced each other six times this season, always in the semi-finals. The head-to-head record favours the Chingalan pair, who lead 4-2 thanks to victories at the Rome Major and the London, Valencia and Buenos Aires P1 tournaments. Lebron and Augsburger, meanwhile, won at the Malaga P1 and Brussels P2. Padel fans now need only wait for the final match on Saturday at the Allianz Cloud to see another encounter between two of the sport’s leading players.