García and Jiménez at the FIP Bronze in the Netherlands: a duo already in the making
There was curiosity about this new partnership, and now there’s a first trophy. In Houten, at the FIP Bronze in the Netherlands from March 30 to April 5, 2026, Javier García and José Jiménez Casas turned their very first week together into a final victory. Top seeds in a tough draw, the Spaniards assumed their status in an indoor arena where they had to both control the exchanges and accelerate at the right moment.
This title is all the more important as it comes in their first tournament together. On the CUPRA FIP Tour, the beginnings of a new pairing are often scrutinized: it’s all about finding the right diagonals, adjusting hedges at the net and installing automatisms on lobs, transitions and salida de pared. García and Jiménez, on the other hand, gave the impression of having gained precious time as soon as they entered the tournament.
Their course was clear. García and Jiménez got off to a flying start against Yoan Boronad and Nicolas Zurita, before building momentum against Denis Perino and Ferran Insa Sotillo in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they overcame Ignacio Piotto Albornoz and Mario Ortega, a pair that are always difficult to handle when the tempo gets too high. Then, in the final, they dominated Luciano Capra and Eduardo Agustín Torre in straight sets, 6-3 6-4, to take the title without dropping a single set throughout the tournament.
This success says a lot about their budding complementarity. García brought his density to the exchange, his ability to lock down the diagonals and patiently set up the point, while Jiménez injected speed into the decisive areas. In sequences where the vibora, the bandeja and the quality of the first volley often turn the match, their joint reading was one of the highlights of the Dutch weekend.
In Houten, a title that launches the sequel
Beyond the trophy, this FIP Bronze was a real landmark. Houten hosted a new stage of the FIP circuit at the very beginning of April, with a prize fund of 12,000 euros and well-stocked men’s and women’s tables. García and Jiménez took home the 40 FIP points promised to Bronze winners and, above all, a credible competitive base for the rest of the spring season.
The women’s tournament also added to the density of the event. Sandra Bellver and Melania Merino won the draw, beating Lorena Vano and Xenia Clascà 6-3 6-4 to claim their first CUPRA FIP Tour title of the 2026 season. This double Spanish victory underlines the average level seen at Houten, with tables capable of bringing together experienced pairs, reviving tandems and building duos.
For García and Jiménez, the most important thing is perhaps elsewhere: beating an experienced pair like Capra and Torre in the final on their first outing together adds even more drama to their Dutch week. Winning straight away also avoids the period of hesitation often experienced by new associations. On a tour where automatic lobs, net coverage and zone distribution can take several tournaments to fully control, starting with a title is bound to change the narrative. Their first tournament together could hardly have got off to a more convincing start.
To remember:
- García and Jiménez won the FIP Bronze in the Netherlands in their first tournament together.
- The final in Houten was played in straight sets against Capra and Torre: 6-3 6-4.
- The stock immediately validates the solidity of this new pairing, earning 40 FIP points.
- In the ladies’ category, Bellver and Merino also made their mark on the weekend, winning the final against Vano and Clascà.
