Never, dare we say it, have we seen such a turnaround in the history of fell modern ! The predictions were unanimous: Nieto and Sanz had no chance against the world's top pair, with 11 defeats in 11 matches before the final and formal statistics; and yet… After saving two match points in the second set, they managed to win in three sets, against all odds.
The curve of Padel Intelligence perfectly sums up this crazy match. While everything seemed written, Tapia/Coello led 6/3 5/4 and were heading towards a predicted victory, an incredible turnaround occurred. Agustín Tapia suddenly disappeared from the match, both literally and figuratively.
An unexpected finale
While Tapia and Coello dominated the match and seemed ready to conclude in two sets, the scenario changed. Tapia, inexplicably, walked out of the match. rabbit had to fight alone on the track against a duo Nieto/Sanz who gradually regained confidence. Despite his efforts, Coello was unable to reverse the momentum.
Tapiahe made a series of mistakes. On the two match points obtained in the second set, it was he who cracked. First on a backhand volley within his reach, then on an insane cushioning attempt, carried out without support and in an improbable position.
Certainly, we observed a tactical change, and it is important to highlight positive points, such as this play directed downwards by Sanz/Nieto. However, the failure of Tapia is so striking that it is difficult to find a rational explanation for this mid-air explosion of Argentinian Mozart.
The reasons for a collapse
Why did Tapia explode so much? Several hypotheses are on the table:
- A sufficiency which would have pushed him to want to conclude in a spectacular way.
- A mental pressure that he couldn't handle.
- An anticipated victory too early, which distracted him.
These errors allowed Nieto/Sanz to get back into the match. In padel, we know this effect of “communicating vessels” well: when one of the players declines, the opposing team regains confidence.
The role of the public
The public played a key role in this turnaround. As the match seemed to have folded, spectators, even those favorable to Tapia, began to cheer for the underdogs to see a more closely fought match. This support galvanized Nieto and Sanz, who themselves could not believe it.
A prestigious victory
Nieto, as always, demonstrated a impressive regularitywith precise lobs and a perfect reading of the game. For his part, Sanz took risks at the right time, especially in the decisive points.
However, the observation remains cruel: Tapia was the main responsible for the defeat of his pair. Despite his smiles at the end of the match, he knows that he let slip a trophy that seemed acquired.
And now ?
Pour Nieto/Sanzthis victory is historic, but their future together remains uncertain. The separation already seems set for 2025, but after such a feat, should we really part ways on this note?
On the side of Tapia/Coellothe objective of Master Finals will have to wait. Tapia will have to digest this very heavy defeat and learn the lessons of this match to start again stronger in 2025. As for rabbitif he tried as best he could to extinguish this unprecedented firehe also ended up getting burned… There may be some headaches during these holidays among the world number ones.
