Juan Lebron has already won the Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1 twice – in 2022 and 2023 – both times alongside Ale Galan, who’s now on the other side of the net. Tomorrow, he’ll try to reach the final again, this time teaming up with Franco Stupaczuk. But waiting for them at the Allianz Cloud are probably the toughest opponents out there: Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia, the current champions and dominant duo on the tour. Still, “El Lobo” – the Wolf – cheered on in Milan with a howl from the crowd every time he pulls off a trick shot, is feeling confident: “It will be exciting to face them because they’re amazing, but it’s always great to take on the No. 1 team. And since I’m a winner at heart, I always believe they can be beaten”. Today, Lebron and Stupaczuk were down a break in the second set against Momo Gonzalez and Fran Guerrero, but managed to avoid a tricky third set, wrapping it up 6-3, 7-5 in just under an hour and a half (1h26).
Lebron’s week in Milan actually kicked off with a fun encounter – complete with gift exchange: a pala and a national team jersey – with Italian footballer Nicolò Barella, just before he headed to Coverciano. “Meeting Barella was great fun. We played padel with a few friends. He really surprised me, he’s actually really good. I told him not to overdo it though, because I’m pretty good at football too”. While we wait to see Lebron showing off his football skills, he’s also got an eye on the next-gen stars: “Who’s the next big thing on tour? Juani De Pascual, for sure. But also Hernandez and Collado: they beat Yanguas and Nieto”.
It wasn’t just Lebron making waves: Sofia Araujo, playing alongside Andrea Ustero, also showed her muscles. In their women’s quarterfinal on Court 1, they defeated Marina Guinart and Veronica Virseda 6-4 6-3. The No. 4 seeds will now take on Paula Josemaria and Ari Sanchez in the first semifinal tomorrow.
Also through to the semifinals are Bea Gonzalez and Claudia Fernandez, the latter being the defending champion alongside Gemma Triay. The No. 3 seeds defeated Ale Alonso and Claudia Jensen 6-3 7-6.