Yesterday's action, marking the second day of the MAJOR in Doha, Qatar, was expected to be a calm one, with the top-ranked pairs projected to cruise through the round without much trouble. However, once again, padel reminded us that nothing is guaranteed until the final point is played. Day two delivered unexpected results and unforgettable moments.
❌ Osoro-Castelló and Tello-Libaak Eliminated Against the Odds
One of the biggest shocks of the day came in the women’s draw with the early exit of Jess and “La Vikinga.” Despite being the favorites on paper, they were stunned by a less pressured but highly effective duo: Pérez and Merino. With a solid performance, the underdogs pulled off one of the day’s major upsets.
In the men’s draw, it was Tello and Libaak who suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of the unexpected pair Patinionitis - Gala. A bitter farewell for a team that never quite found their rhythm during the match.
🔥 Victor Ruiz and Xisco Gil Do It Again
And if we’re talking about surprises — although they’re starting to become less surprising — we have to mention Ruiz and Gil. The duo repeated the feat they accomplished in Chile by knocking out another Top 20 pair. This time, they defeated Leal and Sanyo, which is particularly impressive considering their opponents came into the tournament with strong recent form.
Ruiz and Gil are proving that despite their current lower ranking, when they’re on their game, they can go toe-to-toe with anyone. They’ve undoubtedly become one of the teams to watch this tournament.
💪 The Return of Tapia
Another highlight of the day was the long-awaited return of Agustín Tapia at full strength. There was plenty of interest in seeing if he had fully recovered from his recent injury — and the Argentine made it clear he’s not in Doha just to make an appearance. He came back with the power and flair he’s known for. We’re thrilled to see him back!
🎾 Match of the Day: Deus Brothers vs. “The Magicians”
When it comes to pure entertainment, one match stood out: the showdown between the rising Portuguese duo, the Deus Brothers, and the always unpredictable Tolito and Alfonso.
It was a thrilling battle, packed with momentum swings, jaw-dropping points, and nail-biting tension. In the end, the Portuguese team came out on top, strengthening their claim as a pair capable of breaking into the coveted Top 20. But both teams delivered a match that truly captured the essence of the sport.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Day two of the Doha MAJOR reminded us just how open and competitive the world of padel is right now. Upsets are becoming the norm, new partnerships are making a strong impact, and Tapia’s exciting return has added even more intrigue to the tournament.
And this is just the beginning! Here at PADEL RED, we’ll keep you updated on everything that unfolds in the coming rounds.
You can check out the best points from the men’s and women’s matches played on the center court by clicking the following videos from the Premier Padel YouTube channel: