The standout storyline on Thursday at the ueno bank Asunción Premier Padel P2 was the emergence of new contenders in the men’s draw. While the women’s competition held firm to the script, the men’s side opened the door to disruption, with three pairs outside the top eight surging into the quarter-finals. Among them, Juan Ignacio De Pascual and Alonso Rodríguez will play their first-ever Premier Padel quarter-final, joined by Maxi Arce and Juan Tello, as well as the fast-rising duo of Edu Alonso and Aimar Goñi, all arriving with momentum and a clear intent to challenge the established order.

That contrast defined a Round of 16 played across the Parque Olímpico, where the women’s draw delivered consistency from the top seeds. On Center Court, third seeds Andrea Ustero and Alejandra Alonso set the tone early, overcoming Noemi Aguilar and Leticia Manquillo 6-2, 7-6 with a composed display that balanced control and timely aggression. Top seeds Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea followed with authority, dispatching Marta Talaván and Sofía Saiz 6-2, 6-4 in a performance that reinforced their status.

The same level of dominance was evident from Paula Josemaría and Bea González. The second seeds produced one of the most commanding wins of the day, conceding just two games against Bea Caldera and Carmen Goenaga in a 6-1, 6-1 victory that underlined their growing rhythm in Asunción.

While the women’s favourites advanced with clarity, the men’s draw began to stretch beyond expectations. On Center Court, Franco Stupaczuk and Mike Yanguas moved past Diestro and Sánchez 6-2, 7-6, navigating a tight second set with composure. Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto were tested but responded with authority when it mattered most, edging Jofre and Gala 7-6, 6-4 in another display of their resilience under pressure.

World No.1s Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia maintained their steady progression, defeating Campagnolo and Bautista 6-4, 6-4 without losing control of the match. Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger also delivered a strong statement, cruising to a 6-2, 6-2 win that keeps them firmly in the title conversation.

But it was in the margins of the draw where the day truly shifted. Qualifiers Rodríguez and De Pascual produced one of the defining upsets of the tournament, eliminating Garrido and Bergamini 7-5, 6-3 after more than two and a half hours on court. In parallel, Edu Alonso and Aimar Goñi confirmed their rapid development as a partnership by knocking out seventh seeds González and Di Nenno in straight sets, while Juan Tello and Maxi Arce battled through a demanding three-set win over Lijó and García.

Back in the women’s draw, the depth of the top eight was equally evident across the outside courts. Tamara Icardo and Claudia Jensen came through one of the most physical matches of the day, defeating Nuria Rodríguez and Giulia Dal Pozzo 6-1, 5-7, 6-3. Marta Ortega and Martina Calvo progressed in straight sets against Virginia Riera and Teresa Navarro, while Alejandra Salazar and Andrea Alonso secured their place in the quarter-finals with another solid performance.

By the end of the day, the contrast between both draws was unmistakable. The women’s quarter-finals will feature the top eight seeds, setting up a series of high-level clashes between the strongest pairs in the ranking. The men’s draw, however, tells a different story, one of emerging partnerships, shifting dynamics, and a tournament that remains wide open heading into its decisive stages.