The women’s Premier Padel semifinal in Dubai showcased an intense psychological and tactical duel between the pairs. Claudia Fernández and Bea González overcame Paula José María and Ari Sánchez in a match marked by emotional management, bench leadership, and resilience in the face of errors. Mindset and mutual support were key to defining the match and advancing to the final.
From the very beginning, the intensity of the encounter was evident. Paula and Ari showed courage and determination, while Claudia and Bea demonstrated solid leadership, especially Bea, who maintained energy and confidence even when her teammate Claudia was experiencing moments of low confidence and tension.
Gabi Reca’s bench was a key factor, transmitting positive energy and helping to relieve the pressure Claudia felt. The constant communication between the players and the coaching staff was evident, with clear instructions and emotional support.
Claudia Fernández struggled to relax and enjoy the game due to the tension, which affected her performance and confidence. However, thanks to Bea’s support and the coaching staff’s intervention, she was able to reconnect with the game and improve her attitude.
A crucial moment was when the team decided to take a break to talk privately, allowing Claudia to express what she was going through and seek ways to disconnect from the pressure and reconnect with the game.
Bea González stood out for her ability to remain calm and lead the team, even when things weren’t going well. Her positive attitude and focus on team play were fundamental in maintaining the team’s morale.
Tactically, the pairs tried to vary their plays, using quick lobs and fence-bound drop shots to destabilise their opponents. Communication on the court was constant, with instructions to adjust positions and movements.
Paula showed great courage by going after the balls with determination, which made all the difference on several points. Ari Sánchez also stood out for her poise and confidence in her game, knowing when to take risks and when to stay calm.
One interesting aspect was the difference between verbal and nonverbal language. While Paula and Ari’s team verbally expressed confidence, their body language showed tension and concern, which contrasted with Claudia and Bea’s more relaxed and positive attitude.
This contrast reflected the importance of emotional management in high-performance sports, where mental attitude can decisively influence the outcome.
The bench played a crucial role in emotional and tactical management. In the case of Claudia and Bea, the coaching staff balanced technical instructions with emotional support, helping the players maintain their focus and confidence.
On the other hand, Paula and Ari received clear tactical instructions, but at times they seemed to need more emotional support to reconnect with their best game.
Despite the errors and moments of disconnection, Claudia Fernández and Bea González managed to prevail in a match that was more of a psychological battle than a purely physical or technical one.
Resilience, leadership, and the ability to support one another were the decisive factors that allowed them to advance to the tournament final.
Bea González expressed her excitement after the victory, highlighting the team’s effort and the importance of trust and teamwork in overcoming tough moments.
This match left a valuable lesson about the importance of psychology in professional padel. Emotion management, effective communication, and leadership on and off the court can make all the difference in high-level matches. Furthermore, it showed how the coaching staff’s support and the players’ ability to adapt and overcome adversity are essential for achieving success. The semifinal in Dubai was not only a sporting spectacle, but also an example of how the mind and heart play a fundamental role in sports.