BNL Italy Major Premier Padel. Another masterpiece from Dal Pozzo and Rodriguez: semi-finals at the Foro Italico

Miracles happen at the Foro Italico, and Giulia Dal Pozzo seems to be producing them. The left-hander who is learning how to become a champion is clearly no longer satisfied with simply breaking Italian records. Less than 24 hours after becoming the first Italian woman ever to reach the quarter-finals of a Major, the player from Romagna and her Spanish partner Nuria Rodriguez delivered another masterpiece, earning a place in the semi-finals of the BNL Italy Major after defeating, and ultimately overwhelming, Claudia Fernandez and Sofia Araujo, ranked No. 6 and No. 8 respectively in the FIP world rankings. It was a fairytale result, achieved on Pietrangeli Court thanks to a comeback that seemed unthinkable, almost inexplicable, adding another unforgettable chapter to a week that already feels historic.

 

The final score was 3-6 6-3 6-2, but it tells only part of the story. Until 6-3 3-1, the match appeared firmly in the hands of the world's fourth-ranked pair, who had controlled proceedings from the outset, looked better organised and had been more effective in winning the key points. Yet there had already been plenty of closely contested games, enough to create the feeling that the gap between the two teams was not as large as it seemed. That impression was confirmed by everything that followed, as the match completely changed direction and Giulia and Nuria finally saw their efforts rewarded. In little more than half an hour, the score swung from 3-1 to 3-6, and the outsiders' dominance only grew in the deciding set. The Italian and the Spaniard covered every inch of the court, made very few mistakes and constantly found ways to hurt their opponents, while Fernandez and Araujo completely lost their rhythm, confidence and clarity.

 

The expression on the face of Gaby Reca, coach of Araujo and Fernandez and shown several times by the television cameras, said everything. Meanwhile, Carlo Conti, sitting on the bench of Dal Pozzo and Rodriguez, did not show the slightest emotion even when his players surged into a 5-0 lead, extending their streak to ten consecutive games won. Their opponents managed to save some pride by claiming a couple of games, but by then the outcome was no longer in doubt. The fourth match point proved decisive when Giulia struck yet another winning smash in a week that promises to transform her career. Competing among the very best is no longer just a dream, but a reality that becomes clearer with every passing day. The rankings will confirm it on Monday, with the top 30, and even Italian No. 1 Carolina Orsi, now within touching distance.

 

On Saturday, Dal Pozzo and Rodriguez will play a semi-final in Rome, finally on the Foro Italico's Centre Court, against world No. 1s Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea. The Spaniard and the Argentine, defending champions of the BNL Italy Major, emerged victorious from a three-hour battle against an outstanding version of Claudia Jensen and Tamara Icardo, winning 3-6 6-4 6-3. It was a match that left the favourites with more doubts than certainties, something that may further fuel the dreams of Giulia and Nuria. Beating them will require another remarkable achievement, but that has become the trademark of their week.