Key Takeaways
- Fitriani Sabatini and Fadona Kusumawati reached the 2026 Asian Games women’s doubles padel final with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory over the Philippines’ Danna Abad and Joshea Malazarte in Nagoya.
- Reflecting on their performance, Fadona Kusumawati said: “Alhamdulillah, we really enjoyed our game today. We weren’t as tense as in our previous matches. From the first set to the second, we played more organized and cleaner, which made it difficult for our opponents.”
- Looking forward to the gold medal match, Fadona Kusumawati stated: “Whoever our opponent is, we have to give it our all. We have to go for the gold for Indonesia.”
Flawless semifinal display in Nagoya
Indonesia’s Fitriani Sabatini and Fadona Kusumawati punched their ticket to the women’s doubles padel final at the 2026 Asian Games in emphatic fashion on Friday. Facing the Philippine duo of Danna Abad and Joshea Malazarte at Nagoya City Higashi Sport Center in Japan, the Indonesian pair produced a flawless 6-0, 6-0 masterclass.
From the opening exchanges, Fitriani and Fadona seized complete control, rarely allowing their opponents space to establish a rhythm. The opening set was wrapped up in just 17 minutes, followed by a 25-minute second set that sealed the dominant victory without a single double fault.
Reflecting on their relaxed approach on court, Fadona explained how their mentality shifted compared to earlier rounds: “Alhamdulillah, we really enjoyed our game today. We weren’t as tense as in our previous matches. From the first set to the second, we played more organized and cleaner, which made it difficult for our opponents.”
Mastery on serve and return
The match statistics highlighted the sheer efficiency of the Indonesian combination. During the 17-minute opening set, Fitriani and Fadona won 12 of 16 points behind their own serve and converted 12 of 14 points when returning. They carried that precision straight into the second set, claiming 12 of 18 service points and winning 17 of 24 points on return.
Fitriani echoed her partner’s assessment, noting that the heightened stakes of an Asian Games semifinal worked in their favor rather than causing nerves, pointing out that the pressure had instead motivated them to produce their absolute best level.
Eyes on the gold medal match
With a place on the podium assured, the Indonesian pair are focused entirely on the top step. Fadona made it clear that their mindset will remain uncompromising no matter who stands across the net: “Whoever our opponent is, we have to give it our all. We have to go for the gold for Indonesia.”
That final hurdle could yet turn into a historic internal battle. Compatriots Putria Novela and Beatrice Gumulya entered their own semifinal against the host nation’s Saki Tsukamoto and Kae Tokumoto. Fadona openly welcomed the prospect of an all-Indonesian clash for the title.
“An all-Indonesian final would be even better. God willing, hopefully, and please pray for us, so that the gold is already in Indonesia’s hands,” Fadona added, as Indonesia moved just 1 win away from claiming the women’s doubles padel crown.
