A thrilling quarter-finals day comes to an end after eight matches were played across Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen, the two most iconic courts at Roland Garros. Martita Ortega and Sofia Araújo produced a heroic performance to overcome Perlamita in a remarkable comeback, while Paquito Navarro - Martín Di Nenno claimed a valuable victory in their battle for fourth place in the rankings. The day also brought high profile personalities in the stands, such as football stars Ferran Torres, Fabián Ruiz and Lucas Hernández.
Ortega - Araújo earn an epic victory built on resilience
Las Lupitas got their revenge in Paris against the same opponents who had comfortably beaten them in the quarter-finals of the Madrid P1 (6-0, 6-2). Despite losing the opening set, the No. 5 seeds at the Major dug deep in defence, making the most of the slow court conditions to get a comeback built on resilience: they won the next two sets in tie-breaks after saving as many as five match points.
The win not only provides the team with a major confidence boost, but also comes at an important time for Ortega, who is battling for a place at the FIP World Cup next November. Carolina Navarro, the national team coach, will announce the list of eight players selected to represent Spain at the event next Thursday, September 24.
“I hope I can make it to the FIP World Cup. It’s a week I absolutely love, my favourite of the year. Having all the players I compete against on the same side is amazing. We all work to be called up,” said the Madrid-born player at the press conference following the match.
Navarro - Di Nenno approach the Top four
Another of the day’s standout clashes brought the action on Suzanne Lenglen, with Navarro - Di Nenno earning an important win. The Spanish-Argentine team prevailed in a battle that lasted more than two hours, completing a comeback (4-6, 6-1, 6-4) that brings them closer to the fourth spot in the rankings, currently occupied by today’s opponents, Franco Stupaczuk - Jon Sanz.
They have also redeemed themselves after their result at the 2025 edition. Both players were knocked out in the first round, with Di Nenno playing alongside Leo Augsburger and Navarro with Lucas Bergamini. They have secured at least 1,260 points (630 each) after surpassing last year’s result, while also taking advantage of the defeat suffered by Coki Nieto - Mike Yanguas (#5) in the Round of 16.
This Friday, they will look to continue their outstanding run against Chingalán, who defeated them last week in the quarter-finals of the Madrid P1 after an electric encounter (6-4, 3-6, 6-7).
The grand final awaits
This is the line-up for Saturday’s semi-finals at the Paris Major. Play will get underway at 1:00 p.m. on Philippe Chatrier:
Ari Sánchez - Andrea Ustero (#3) vs Ortega - Josemaría (#5)
Agustín Tapia - Arturo Coello (#1) vs Juan Lebrón - Leo Augsburger (#3)
Gemma Triay - Delfi Brea (#1) vs Martina Calvo - Claudia Fernández (#4)
Chingotto - Galán (#2) vs Navarro - Di Nenno (#6)
