A Milestone Event at ISD Padel: Hosting the FIP Promotion Dubai for the First Time

From October 17th to October 20th, ISD Padel had the honor of hosting the prestigious FIP Promotion Dubai Tournament for the first time. This exciting milestone brought together top-seeded players from around the world, including ISD Padel’s head coach Jordi Casanova, who was seeded 7th with his partner, Javier Lopez Garcia. The presence of these top players created an electrifying atmosphere filled with competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable matches. Here’s a closer look at what made this event an exceptional experience for participants and spectators alike.

Welcoming Top-Seeded Players to ISD Padel

As a first-time host of the FIP Promotion Dubai, ISD Padel welcomed an impressive lineup of top-ranked players in both men’s and women’s events. The tournament drew elite competitors who showcased their skills in intense rounds. Here are the names and seeds of some notable players:

Men’s Seeds and Top Competitors

• Sergio Icardo & Francisco Jurado Sosa (Seed #1)
• Alexander Khalanskii & Manuel Rocafort Lores (Seed #4)
• Javier Lopez Garcia & Jordi Casanova Bataller (Seed #7)
• Denis Merkulov & Javier Rodriguez Navarro (Seed #8)
• Mohammed Al Khanji & Amr Hassan (Seed #5)
• Isaac Huysvelo & Arnaud Meessen (Seed #6)
• Javor Al-Mutawa & Rayan Abdulla (Seed #3)
• Javier Rodriguez Marquez & Roberto Rodriguez Alonso (Seed #2)

Women’s Seeds and Top Competitors

• Dora Andrejszki & Karin Hechenberger (Seed #1)
• Silvia Lopez Vidal & Claudia Manzanares Oton (Seed #3)
• Dilara Torssell & Jessica Palma La Cruz (Seed #4)
• Carolina Gallo Frias & Melina Bois (Seed #2)

The competition among these top-tier athletes was intense, with each game showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship. The strong representation from different countries added a special dimension to the tournament, reflecting padel’s global reach.

ISD Padel Coaches Representing the Home Team

In addition to hosting, ISD Padel saw participation from all five of its esteemed coaches, who brought their expertise to the courts and competed fiercely alongside the tournament’s top players. Jordi Casanova, ISD Padel’s Head Coach and Seed #7, delivered an impressive performance, underscoring the caliber of coaching available at ISD. The full list of ISD Padel coaches who participated includes:

• Jordi Casanova
• Rodolfo Schwarz
• Dani Moreno
• Dani Casanova
• Angelina N

Their involvement elevated the experience for local fans, who had the chance to watch their favorite coaches in action, adding a personal connection to the event and inspiring students.

Tournament Format: Rounds and Match Progressions

Over the four-day event, the tournament structure involved five rounds for the men’s teams and four rounds for the women’s teams. Each match was filled with intense rallies, impressive teamwork, and high-stakes play, culminating in thrilling final matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Men’s Draw

The men’s side saw fierce competition across five rounds, leading to an exciting final between top-seeded team Sergio Icardo & Francisco Jurado Sosa and Alexander Khalanskii & Manuel Rocafort Lores (Seed #4). Ultimately, Icardo and Jurado Sosa emerged victorious with a decisive 6-2, 6-2 win, showcasing their exceptional skill and consistency.

Women’s Draw

In the women’s event, history was made as Dora Andrejszki and Karin Hechenberger claimed their first title, marking a significant achievement on the CUPRA FIP Tour. They triumphed over Silvia Lopez Vidal and Claudia Manzanares in a thrilling three-set final, with a final score of 6-3, 4-6, 7-6. This victory awarded Andrejszki and Hechenberger 15 points in the FIP ranking, underscoring their skill and resilience in a closely contested match. Their win added excitement to the tournament and marked an impressive step in their professional careers.

Celebrating New Champions and a Successful Tournament

The International Padel Federation Tournament at ISD Padel concluded with remarkable achievements and memorable performances. In the men’s draw, Sergio Icardo & Francisco Jurado Sosa secured their well-earned championship title. The triumph of Dora Andrejszki and Karin Hechenberger in the women’s draw added an exciting twist to the event, representing padel’s growth across new regions and highlighting the sport’s extending international appeal.

A Look Ahead: Building on Success

ISD Padel’s successful debut as host for the FIP Promotion Dubai has set the stage for many more high-level tournaments in the future. The event brought world-class talent to Dubai and gave the local padel community a unique opportunity to witness competitive padel on a global stage. With ISD Padel’s experienced coaches, high-quality facilities, and growing reputation, the academy is poised to become a key venue for international padel events.

Final Thoughts

The International Padel Federation Tournament was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of talent, dedication, and the unifying power of sport. ISD Padel looks forward to building on this achievement, fostering a thriving community for players and fans, and continuing to raise the bar for padel in Dubai and beyond.

Next Stop: The Inclusive Padel Tour

The next major tournament at ISD Padel will be The Inclusive Padel Tour. Returning to ISD Padel after last year’s memorable three-day event, the Dubai leg of the tour is designed to showcase padel as the world’s most inclusive sport. This unique tournament will pair players with disabilities (players of determination) alongside players without disabilities, creating a fun, competitive experience like no other.