Italian padel celebrated a historic achievement at the Foro Italico as Giulia Dal Pozzo became the first Italian player to reach the quarterfinals of a Premier Padel Major. Partnering with Spain’s Nuria Rodríguez, the 21-year-old triumphed in front of her home crowd, defeating Carolina Orsi and Patty Llaguno 6-4, 0-6, 7-6 in a dramatic tie-break.
Building on earlier success
Dal Pozzo and Rodríguez had already delivered a major surprise in the round of 16 by eliminating seventh seeds Alejandra Salazar and Alejandra Alonso 6-3, 5-7, 6-2. Their partnership, formed at the start of the season, has quickly proven effective, with previous quarterfinal appearances in Cancun and several victories against top-eight pairs.
Facing new challenges
In the quarterfinals of the Italy Major, Dal Pozzo and Rodríguez will now face fourth seeds Claudia Fernández and Sofía Araújo, who advanced after defeating Bea Caldera and Carmen Goenaga 6-2, 6-2 on the Pietrangeli court.
Context and legacy
Carolina Orsi had paved the way for Italian women’s padel when she became the first Italian to reach the quarterfinals of the World Padel Tour in 2023. Dal Pozzo’s achievement represents the next step: the first Italian quarterfinal in a Major, the highest category of the current circuit. Her rise to world No. 50 and this milestone in Rome highlight the growing strength of padel in Italy.
Women’s draw highlights
Elsewhere in the women’s bracket, top seeds Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea advanced after defeating Claudia Escacena and Patri Martínez 6-1, 6-1. They will face Tamara Icardo and Claudia Jensen, who overcame Sharifova and Collombon 6-1, 6-0. Paula Josemaría and Bea González also progressed, beating Raquel Eugenio and Martina Fassio 6-0, 6-4, and will meet Marta Ortega and Martina Calvo in the next round. Ariana Sánchez and Andrea Ustero defeated Aranza Osoro and Victoria Iglesias 6-4, 6-3, setting up a quarterfinal against Marta Barrera and Jimena Velasco.
Dal Pozzo’s breakthrough ensures that Rome 2026 will be remembered as a turning point for Italian padel, with the Foro Italico once again providing the stage for history to be written.
