FIP week is still very much about Belgium, but the angle has changed. It’s no longer just about listing the players involved: it’s now about watching the Belgians still in the running, with Clément Geens headlining the FIP Silver HOP London Padel Open. In London, Tess De Vocht also successfully entered the women’s draw, while Maxime Deloyer saw his career come to an end at the FIP Bronze in Marnes.
Clément Geens off to a flying start at FIP Silver in London
Clément Geens made his debut at the FIP Silver HOP London Padel Open alongside Spain’s Nacho Moragues Moltò. The Belgian-Spanish pair beat lucky loser Victor Rodriguez Gauthier and Jack Gilbert 6/0 6/1 in a first-round match controlled from start to finish.
This success set the tone for a week in which Geens emerged as Belgium’s best chance in the men’s draw. The London context is interesting: the tournament is ranked FIP Silver, with a higher level than a Bronze and more valuable ranking points to play for. For the Belgian player, the goal now is to confirm against opposition that is set to rapidly increase in intensity.
In this type of draw, the margin is reduced in the following rounds. The quality of the return, the first volley after the promotion to the net and the ability to hold long diagonals can quickly make the difference. Geens and Moragues have at least laid a solid initial foundation, with a court match that avoids dipping into reserves too early.
Tess De Vocht contract extension for Belgium in London
The London tournament is also smiling on Tess De Vocht. Paired with Frenchwoman Sarah Merah, the Belgian won her first round match in the women’s draw against Greta Strolytė and Lauren Jones, 6/2 6/1.
This victory establishes a second Belgian track to watch in London. De Vocht and Merah got their week off to a good start, with a clean score and a serious start. What follows is a test of their ability to raise the tempo in a women’s draw where the gaps can close quickly, especially as the top-ranked pairs enter the tournament in full force.
Maxime Deloyer stopped in Marnes
In France, Maxime Deloyer ‘s career came to an end at the FIP Bronze in Marnes. Paired with Jules Marie, the Belgian was knocked out in the round of 16 by Thomas Vanbauce and Lucas Pillon, 6/2 6/2.
His tournament should therefore no longer be presented as an upcoming challenge, but as result information. The focus of the Belgian week is clearly shifting to London, where Geens and De Vocht remain the two names to watch. For further scores and tables, readers can consult the updated padel results on Actu Padel.
To remember:
- Clément Geens and Nacho Moragues Moltò won 6/0 6/1 at the FIP Silver in London.
- Tess De Vocht and Sarah Merah won their first round matches 6/2 6/1 in the women’s draw.
- Maxime Deloyer and Jules Marie were knocked out 6/2 6/2 at the FIP Bronze in Marnes.
- This week’s Belgian news focuses mainly on London.
