Just 74 minutes were enough to comfortably overcome the world No. 1 pair. The growing chemistry between Ari Sanchez and Andrea Ustero was there for all to see in their 6-1, 6-4 victory over Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea, two outstanding champions who had few answers in today’s semifinal at the Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1. “It was a perfect match,” a smiling Sanchez admitted after securing her third consecutive win over the pair. The victory takes her to the 102nd final of her career. “We wanted a quick match, and the court helped us. But more than anything, I’m delighted with how much we’re improving. Not just me, but Andrea too. I want to keep supporting her and help her grow until she fulfils her potential. Right now, I’d say she’s only at 60%.” And in the eight months they have spent playing together, Andrea has already made huge strides. Dominant on court, the 19-year-old from Barcelona proved decisive with her smashes, putting their opponents under constant pressure. Her performance was particularly overwhelming in the opening set, which lasted just 26 minutes. An early break quickly set the tone, before the pair went on to manage the second set with composure and control. Tomorrow, they will contest their fourth consecutive final—a clear sign of the strength of a project pairing a 57-title champion with one of the biggest talents in world padel, following the ups and downs of the first part of the season.
“I think Andrea has grown particularly in her ability to adapt to different playing conditions, different courts and the various situations that arise during a match,” Sanchez explained. “She has learned to make better shot selections, to be more consistent and disciplined in her work. That’s what allows us to reach another final today.” Ustero is equally aware of how far she has come. “She has made me understand how much work it takes to reach the level we’re at and to beat pairs of this calibre. Padel is becoming increasingly competitive, and you have to work incredibly hard because the demands are so high. Ari has also taught me a great deal about sacrifice,” she continued. “That has always been one of the hardest aspects for me, but I’m learning to appreciate it and recognise how essential it is to get this far.” The partnership is having an equally positive impact on Sanchez, who is also adapting her own game. “I’m fully aware that, as a player, I have to keep reinventing myself to adapt to the padel of today. It’s faster and more physical, with greater power and shorter rallies. It’s something I’ve been working on for a long time. In training, I play more freely and aggressively; what I was missing was the ability to take a few more risks in matches and play with greater freedom. Today, I managed to do that perfectly.” That newfound confidence could prove invaluable tomorrow, as the pair chase their fifth title of the season and valuable points in the Race to the end-of-year Finals. “We’re enjoying this moment, but another extremely tough final is certainly waiting for us. The priority now is to rest and recover our energy,” Sanchez concluded.