CR7, Villa, Silva: the ‘football’ stand making headlines
Already present last year, Ronaldo returned to “see the show” in an arena where the spectacle is designed as much for the atmosphere as for the court. Based in Riyadh since his arrival at Al Nassr, the Portuguese continues to show his interest in padel, which has become a regular pastime in his Saudi daily life.
Around him, two other familiar faces to football fans: David Villa and David Silva. The two Spaniards, already seen the day before, participated in the pre-match protocol by performing the draw before the match between Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger against brothers Pedro and Álvaro Meléndez. A detail that feeds the “VIP” narrative of this early season… and offers the circuit exposure that is hard to buy.
This appearance is part of a broader movement: several celebrities have already been spotted on the courts, and not just in the stands.
On the court, strong stories from Day 2
Women: Ale Alonso, from tears to smiles in 48 hours
Two days after a retirement in the FIP Platinum final in Marseille (ankle), Ale Alonso resumed competition in Riyadh alongside Alejandra Salazar. The “Ales” dominated Marta Caparrós and Julieta Bidahorria 6-3 6-1, securing their place in the round of 16, where Lara Arruabarrena and Marina Lobo await them.
This round promises to be a marker: it also corresponds to the entry into the mix of the top four seeds, including several new partnerships to watch, notably Bea González / Paula Josemaría (No. 2), Ari Sánchez / Andrea Ustero (No. 3), and Claudia Fernández / Sofia Araújo (No. 4).
Men: the big match-ups deliver, two surprises shake up the draw
Among the men, the best duos started strong: Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia (No. 1) overturned Dylan Guichard and Bastien Blanqué 3-6 6-1 6-2, while Fede Chingotto and Ale Galán (No. 2) won 6-2 6-2 against Gonzalo Rubio and Javi Ruiz. Franco Stupaczuk and Mike Yanguas (No. 3) defeated Pol Hernández and Guille Collado 7-6 6-3, and Lebrón / Augsburger (No. 4) dominated the Meléndez brothers 6-1 6-2.
The day also offered two brilliant performances: Javi Martínez and Rama Valenzuela eliminated Sanyo Gutiérrez / Gonzalo Alfonso (seed No. 12) 6-3 6-7 6-3, and Manuel Castaño / Iñigo Jofre knocked out Javi Leal / Jon Sanz after three sets (5-7 7-5 7-6).
For official draws and results: Premier Padel and FIP.
