Collombon/Sharifova in FIP Silver Höganäs final

Alix Collombon and Ksenia Sharifova continue their strong run at the FIP Silver Höganäs and reach the title match after a gripping semifinal. The French-Russian pair, seeded second, turned around a difficult clash against third seeds Teresa Navarro Lopez-Barajas and Virginia Riera, winning 6-7, 6-3, 6-3. They are into a second consecutive FIP Silver final and head into decisive day in Sweden with clear momentum.

The semifinal did not start easily for Collombon and Sharifova. Against Virginia Riera's experience and Teresa Navarro's consistency, they dropped a tight first-set tie-break and fell behind early. Instead of losing confidence, they raised their level rally by rally, varied length and angles, and gradually found answers off the glass. In the second and third sets they controlled the middle, applied pressure with early attacks, and took both frames 6-3 — a strong message to the rest of the draw.

Comeback under pressure

The match showed why the duo has become one of the most watched pairs on the women's international circuit in recent weeks. After losing the opener, Collombon and Sharifova stayed mentally stable, cut unforced errors, and used complementary strengths: Collombon's experience in key moments and Sharifova's aggressive baseline game. Against Navarro and Riera, an established pairing, this was more than a narrow win — it was a reference performance at high tournament level.

They had already underlined their form in the quarter-finals. Against Julia Isabella Wiese and Martina Minetti they delivered a statement win, 6-1, 6-1. That clarity early in the week fits a partnership that is syncing better every event. Net and defensive patterns look sharper, communication calmer, and results are trending up.

Second final in a row

Only a week earlier Collombon and Sharifova were already in a final — at FIP Silver Oeiras. The title slipped away then, but another final in Höganäs highlights continuity. Coaches and fans see more than a hot streak: a pair improving structurally. Back-to-back Silver finals places them firmly among WPT contenders.

The final in Höganäs

In the title match they face fourth seeds Noemi Aguilar Carrillo and Laetitia Maria Manquillo Alarza. The Spaniards arrive with maximum confidence: in their semifinal they beat Sofia Arvidsson and Juni Sjöland without conceding a game, 6-0, 6-0. Two of the tournament's strongest pairs meet — experience, power and tactical discipline on both sides.

Collombon and Sharifova go in as slight favourites. Seeding, recent results and especially how they closed the semifinal support them. They know Spanish pairs at this level rarely give gifts. Whether they control the first set early or drift into another long tie-break may decide the trophy.

Looking ahead to the Italy Major

Beyond the immediate title, Höganäs matters strategically. A win would boost preparation for the Italy Major and confirm this new partnership on the biggest stage. In a short time they have shown they are not only capable of peaks but of targeting consistent top-three level across events.

The FIP Silver in Höganäs is part of the World Padel Tour calendar and regularly attracts strong women's fields. For Collombon and Sharifova the Swedish stop is another step in a phase where they define their doubles roles more clearly: Collombon often leads tactically at the net, Sharifova sets the rhythm with powerful groundstrokes and quick transitions. Against Navarro and Riera they first had to cope with long rallies built on experience, but found the right response after dropping the opening set.

Their reaction after losing the first-set tie-break stood out. Instead of forcing risky winners, they chose a controlled approach, drew errors from their opponents and used targeted wall changes. In key moments of the second and third sets both looked focused and coordinated — exactly what you expect from a pair targeting a Major as their next big goal.

On the other side of the bracket Aguilar and Manquillo showed why fourth seed status matters. The clean 6-0, 6-0 against Arvidsson and Sjöland underlines their dominance on the day and makes the final a true top clash. For Collombon and Sharifova it means the title will not be gifted — it must be earned in a third straight match at elite level.

For the crowd in Höganäs the final promises top-level tension: contrasting styles, both aiming to take the trophy. Whether Collombon and Sharifova avenge Oeiras or Aguilar and Manquillo extend their dominance may hinge on a handful of critical points. What is already clear: the women's draw at FIP Silver is delivering a sporting highlight — and the protagonists are writing the closing chapter themselves.