Italy Major Rome: Collombon/Sharifova win 6-3, 6-2

At the Italy Major on the Premier Padel circuit, Alix Collombon finally won again. France's number one had endured a deep slump in recent months; in Rome she returned in impressive form alongside her new partner Ksenia Sharifova. Against qualifiers Lucia Peralta and Maria Ferreyra, the Franco-Russian pair won in straight sets – 6-3, 6-2 – claiming their first Premier Padel victory in more than three months.

After six defeats: the turning point in Rome

Collombon arrived on a run of six consecutive Premier Padel losses. Her last win dated back to the first round of the P2 in Gijón, when she beat Arruabarrena and Rufo. Pressure on the former top player in the women's field was evident: form dips, partner changes and high expectations had recently created uncertainty on court. That the breakthrough came at the Italy Major in the Italian capital underscores the symbolic weight of this result.

In the opening round in Rome, Collombon and Sharifova faced Peralta and Ferreyra, a Spanish-Argentine pair that had qualified into the main draw. From the start the favourites controlled the tempo. Aggressive returning, early net positions and consistent diagonal play left their opponents little room. After just a few games it was 4-0 with a double break – a start that set the tone for the entire match.

Peralta and Ferreyra fought back to 4-3 and showed they are competitive at this level. But Collombon and Sharifova responded immediately: steadier shot selection, fewer unforced errors and better communication in the middle. The first set went 6-3 to the French player and the Russian – a scoreline that reflected their superiority in the decisive phases.

Sharifova adds offence and relief

The partnership with Ksenia Sharifova already looks, after their first tournament together, like the missing piece in Collombon's game. Sharifova impresses with power at the back glass, direct pace and a clear presence in attack. While Collombon structures, varies and organises play through net and lobs, Sharifova takes on the aggressive moments that put opponents under pressure.

The second set confirmed this division of roles. Collombon held the tempo, reduced risk in critical rallies and used her experience in hot phases. Sharifova stayed physically present, hit angles and answered in the diagonal against Lucia Peralta, who had recently won the FIP Bronze in Marnes-la-Coquette. The qualifiers found no answer to the mix of intensity, tactical discipline and focused execution on break points.

They closed out the match 6-2. The performance profile – few breaks against them, clear leads in both sets – points to a controlled display without major swings. For Collombon it means not only points and renewed confidence, but also proof that a partner change can still turn the season around.

At the Italy Major in Rome, one of the most prestigious stops on the Premier Padel calendar, several top pairs found form at the same time. For the crowd, Collombon and Sharifova's display was a highlight of the women's draw: fast rallies, clear communication and team spirit visible after only a few practice sessions together. Coaches and camp had recently stressed that Collombon needed mental stability and a partner with a clear offensive profile – Sharifova delivered both in this match.

Round of 16 against top-five Icardo and Jensen

With the win, Alix Collombon is back in the round of 16 of a Premier Padel event – a cut she had not reached for a long time. For French padel it is an important signal: the country's number one remains competitive at the highest level, even when recent weeks had raised doubts.

The next match is a much tougher task. Collombon and Sharifova face the fifth seeds Tamara Icardo and Claudia Jensen. The Spanish-Danish top pair won their first-round match against Sofia Saiz and Marta Talaván comfortably 6-2, 6-2 and are among the most consistent duos on the circuit. Icardo and Jensen combine experience in decisive tie-breaks with high-quality striking off the glass.

Collombon and Sharifova must carry the momentum they have built. Icardo and Jensen have not reached a semi-final since the P2 in Brussels, but remain one of the most dangerous pairings. Anyone aiming for an upset in Rome needs the aggression of the first-round display from the opening rally – and the nerve Collombon had lately been missing in crisis moments.

The Italy Major thus remains the stage for a possible turnaround for the Franco-Russian duo. Beating the number-five seeds would not only boost confidence further but also show Collombon can challenge for the front ranks again with the right partner. For now in Rome one thing counts above all: after a long dry spell, France's number one has remembered how to win a Premier Padel match.