Bordeaux P2: Galán dominates, Araújo exits
The first quarter-finals of the Bordeaux P2 produced clear winners and a major surprise in the women's draw. Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto reached the semi-finals in commanding fashion, while Tamara Icardo and Claudia Jensen knocked defending champion Sofia Araújo out of the tournament. In the women's bracket, Paula Josemaría and Bea González also confirmed their top form under the slow conditions in Bordeaux.
Galán and Chingotto leave no opening
An exciting match had been expected in the men's draw when Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto faced fifth seeds Coki Nieto and Jon Sanz. However, what was anticipated as a tight contest quickly turned into a one-sided affair. The Spaniard and the Argentine delivered one of the most convincing performances of the tournament so far, winning 6-1, 6-3 in just 51 minutes.
Galán and Chingotto looked a step faster in every situation from the start. Their rallies were precise, their attacks relentless and their defence nearly flawless. Nieto and Sanz found no way to disrupt the favourites' rhythm. The duo pulled away early in the first set and gave the fifth seeds little room to impose their game.
Galán and Chingotto have been in outstanding form for several weeks. At the Bordeaux P2 they once again underline their status as top title contenders. They looked solid in every department: dominant at the net, versatile from the baseline and clearly superior tactically. Without ever being seriously threatened, they now reach the semi-finals and are regarded as the most consistent pair in the tournament.
Josemaría and González continue their run
In the women's draw, Paula Josemaría and Bea González continue their impressive winning streak. After their recent triumph at the Valladolid P2, they confirmed their class in Bordeaux as well. They had previously beaten Alix Collombon and Ksenia Sharifova convincingly in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals they faced a tougher opponent: Noa Canovas and Maria Rodriguez, who had eliminated Marta Ortega and Martina Calvo in the previous round.
The second seeds remained composed against this rising duo. With a 6-3, 6-2 victory, Josemaría and González secured their place in the semi-finals. Their ball control and timing suited the slow court conditions in Bordeaux perfectly, conditions that demand long rallies and high concentration. While Canovas and Rodriguez stayed in touch at times, the more experienced pair consistently won the decisive points.
Given their current form and recent tournament history, Josemaría and González are considered the big favourites for the title in Bordeaux. A second consecutive triumph would be far from guaranteed against such strong opposition, but their performances so far point to a genuine title chance. They look mentally stable and technically well prepared for the demanding conditions.
Icardo and Jensen knock out Araújo
The biggest surprise of the quarter-final round came from Tamara Icardo and Claudia Jensen. Against Sofia Araújo and Claudia Fernández they played an intense three-set match. After winning the first set 6-4, Araújo and Fernández appeared to fight back and took the second 6-2. But Icardo and Jensen found their best level again in the decider and won 6-2.
Sofia Araújo's title defence in Bordeaux is therefore over. Last year she had won the title alongside Andrea Ustero. This time her quarter-final performance was not enough to go deep in the tournament again. For Icardo and Jensen, the win marks an important step in a phase in which they have clearly gained momentum recently.
The match showcased both sides of modern women's padel: tactical patience in long rallies, high physical endurance and the ability to reset quickly after losing a set. Icardo and Jensen demonstrated exactly those qualities in Bordeaux and deservedly reached the semi-finals.
Sánchez and Ustero secure the semi-final
In the last completed women's quarter-final, Ari Sánchez and Andrea Ustero also came through. Against seventh seeds Alejandra Salazar and Alejandra Alonso they had to battle in the second set before winning 6-2, 7-6. The tie-break highlighted the mental strength of the third-seeded pair in a match that had been evenly balanced at times.
Sánchez and Ustero remain on course in Bordeaux. In the semi-finals they will face the winners of the match between Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea and Marina Guinart and Verónica Virseda, scheduled to be played later in the day. With this result the upper half of the women's draw remains highly competitive and open for thrilling semi-finals.
After the first quarter-finals, the Bordeaux P2 paints a clear picture: Galán and Chingotto dominate in the men's draw, while several top pairs battle for the title in the women's event. The slow conditions shape the tournament and reward patience, precision and mental strength. The semi-finals promise further high-quality matches in the French port city.
