The first two women’s editions of the tournament bear their names: Delfi Brea in 2023, alongside Bea Gonzalez, and Gemma Triay in 2024, together with Claudia Fernandez. Last year, however, their first Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1 as a pair came to an end just one step away from the semi-finals, when Triay was forced to withdraw due to a physical problem. Now the world No. 1 pair are back for another attempt, having beaten Raquel Eugenio and Jimena Velasco (6-2 7-6) in the quarter-finals, in the match that opened Friday’s play at the Allianz Cloud. It is a key moment for the Spaniard and the Argentine in the most competitive women’s season yet, with four pairs vying for titles at the world’s biggest tournaments. Despite winning six titles since the start of the year, Triay and Brea have not reached a final since September, at the Madrid P1. Tomorrow, they face a formidable obstacle on their way to Sunday’s final. Across the net will be Ari Sanchez, who won the tournament last year with Paula Josemaria, and rising star Andrea Ustero. The pair secured their place in the semi-finals this morning with a 6-4 6-3 win over Aranzazu Osoro and Ale Salazar, who is playing her last tournament in Milan before retiring at the end of the year. Sanchez and Ustero make a formidable partnership, with four titles to their name so far and an increasingly strong understanding after an up-and-down start to the season.
The recent head-to-head record between the two pairs speaks for itself: the last two meetings — both in the semi-finals, in Rotterdam and Düsseldorf — went Sanchez and Ustero’s way. Triay and Brea’s most recent win over them came in Madrid, where they also claimed their last title to date. “We lost to Ari and Andrea two weeks ago,” Gemma recalled after the match. “We didn’t play our best in Rotterdam, but we also have to give credit to our very strong opponents, who have won two of the last three tournaments”. Triay, for her part, does not feel weighed down by the pressure. “It’s a privilege to feel it,” she continued. “We’re the world No. 1 pair, so it’s normal that everyone wants to beat us. We work hard, including with a psychologist. We don’t think too much about the result; we want to play our best padel”. Brea is equally keen to get back to winning ways, and is particularly intrigued by the prospect of wearing the Champions’ Rings, the special recognition awarded to the tournament’s winners. “I appreciate ideas that make tournaments stand out in some way”, she said with a smile.
On the other side, Ari Sanchez is approaching tomorrow’s challenge with a clear head, while praising her partner’s development. “Andrea’s strength doesn’t surprise me, and our games fit together really well. She has incredible potential: I think she’s only at 60% of the level she can reach. We have very good chemistry, both on and off the court”, she said, highlighting how much they have grown this year, both as a team and individually. Now all eyes are on the semi-final. “Our last match against them was extremely tough for all four of us. We know their game well tactically, but what will make the difference is how we manage the key points”.