- Marseille finally hosts a FIP Platinum: a strong signal
- Format and schedule: two stages, a build-up of intensity
- A field that speaks “ranking”: what the official documents say
- Focus: Clément Geens in Marseille, a Belgian player to watch
- What to expect on the court: the indoor effect and the details that matter
- Practical information: where, when, and how to get there
- Key takeaway
Marseille finally hosts a FIP Platinum: a strong signal
This Monday, February 2, 2026, the Phocaean city launches its first edition of the Ville de Marseille FIP Platinum. For French padel, the stakes go beyond just a “nice tournament”: a Platinum event represents the very highest level of the international circuit outside of Premier Padel, with a depth that immediately changes the perception of a week. Here, even the early rounds can feel like a round of 16 at other events.
The setting lives up to expectations: from February 4 to 8, the Palais des Sports transforms into an arena, with a center court designed for intensity and proximity. The ambition is clear: to make this first edition a significant event, both sportingly… and in the experience offered to the public.
Format and schedule: two stages, a build-up of intensity
The tournament is structured in two phases: the qualifying rounds start at the club, then the main draw moves indoors to the center court. This format creates a natural build-up of tension: first the battle to “get in,” then the seeds and big matchups at the Palais des Sports.
| Date | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mon. February 2 | Qualifying – Day 1 (10 AM–7 PM) at CAP7 Padel (41 rue Gustave Eiffel, Marseille). |
| Tue. February 3 | Qualifying – Day 2 (9 AM–7 PM) at CAP7 Padel. Decisive matches day to reach the main draw. |
| Wed. February 4 | Main draw begins – 1st round (10 AM–8 PM) at Palais des Sports (81 rue Raymond Teisseire, Marseille). |
| Thu. February 5 | 2nd round (10 AM–8 PM): the day the draw tightens and surprises are still possible. |
| Fri. February 6 | Quarterfinals (11 AM–8 PM): clear increase in intensity, less room for error on serve and transitions. |
| Sat. February 7 | Semifinals (1 PM–8 PM): prime time session, atmosphere of a big sports evening. |
| Sun. February 8 | Finals (starting at 11:30 AM, day announced 11 AM–7 PM): women’s final then men’s final, closing ceremony. |
For detailed daily schedules (and official descriptions), the dedicated page remains the most practical: schedule of matches and days.
A field that speaks “ranking”: what the official documents say
The best way to measure a tournament’s depth is to see who ends up as a “seed”… and who has to go through qualifying. In Marseille, both draws show real depth, with pairs capable of turning a match around with a series of returns, a better-timed approach to the net, or cleaner volley exchanges.
Men’s Draw: the 8 seeds and tricky matches
In the men’s main draw, the eight seeds are clearly identified. What we’re especially watching for in a first edition is the favorites’ ability to manage the environment (crowd, arena, indoor pace) without burning out too early.
- Seed 1: Francisco Guerrero / Javier Leal
- Seed 2: Javier Garrido / Lucas Bergamini
- Seed 3: Leonel Daniel Aguirre / Alejandro Arroyo
- Seed 4: Javier Garcia / Javier Barahona
- Seed 5: Carlos Daniel Gutierrez / Gonzalo Gabriel Alfonso
- Seed 6: Alejandro Ruiz / Juanlu Esbri
- Seed 7: Jairo Bautista / Lucas Campagnolo
- Seed 8: Valentino Gabriel Libaak / Alex Chozas
Further down, several areas of the draw attract attention on the French-speaking side. Two wild cards already give a special dimension to the draw: Nuno Deus / Thomas Leygue and Johan Bergeron / Timéo Fonteny. And in qualifying, the big match-ups are often immediate: French pairs are expected to be competitive, notably Manuel Vives / Maxime Joris, Philemon Raichman / Yanis Muesser, Yoan Boronad / Jérémy Robert, Arthur Hugounenq / Thomas Seux or Nathan Courrin / Lucas Pillon.
Consult the official PDF: Men’s Entry List (pairs, points, qualifying)
Women’s Draw: identified seeds, and an opportunity for French players
In the women’s draw, the main draw immediately promises: varied confrontations, opposing styles, and rounds where the “match plan” will matter as much as pure skill. The eight announced seeds:
- Seed 1: Alejandra Salazar / Alejandra Alonso
- Seed 2: Aranzazu Osoro / Victoria Iglesias
- Seed 3: Lucía Sainz / Raquel Eugenio
- Seed 4: Jimena Velasco / Marta Barrera
- Seed 5: Ksenia Sharifova / Marta Borrero
- Seed 6: Lucía Martínez / Águeda Pérez
- Seed 7: Laura Luján / Ana Catarina Nogueira
- Seed 8: Jana Montes / Alix Collombon
On the French side, two key figures: Alix Collombon as a seed (with Jana Montes) and Carla Touly partnered with Camila Fassio, positioned as a pair capable of competing in big matches. Not to mention the wild cards Lucile Pothier / Louise Bahurel and Camille Sireix / Melissa Martin, who generate real “French public” interest from the start of the week. And just like in the men’s draw, the qualifying rounds at CAP7 Padel can offer a launchpad for ambitious duos.
Consult the official PDF: women’s draw
Focus: Clément Geens in Marseille, a Belgian player to watch
In the qualifying tunnel, a Belgian duo is attracting attention: Dylan Guichard teams up with Clément Geens, Belgium’s No. 1 and ranked around 92nd in the FIP ranking. A solid profile, often associated with a very pragmatic approach to the game: indeed, Geens regularly emphasizes details that win points without necessarily “forcing” (return quality, micro-adjustments in positioning, managing weak moments).
And in Marseille, the story immediately took a tangible turn. On Monday evening, Geens/Guichard passed the 1st round of qualifying in three sets (6/2 6/7 6/2), in a back-and-forth match where they had to re-establish themselves after losing the tiebreak in the second set. Interesting stat: the pair made the difference primarily through efficiency in important moments, converting more break points and winning a higher overall volume of points.
What’s next is already clear: in the 2nd round, they will challenge Marcel Font / Iago Fuertes Leonardo, with a scheduled match on Tuesday, February 3, in the morning session at CAP7 Padel. To follow their progress day by day, our update is here: FIP Platinum Marseille: Clément Geens starts strong and is already looking ahead to the 2nd round.
What to expect on the court: the indoor effect and the details that matter
The tournament is announced as indoor, and that changes a lot: fewer external parameters, thus a purer reading of skill levels. Points are won more on ball quality, precision in targeting zones, and the ability to maintain the correct height under pressure.
- In the early rounds, watch the quality of returns and first volleys: indoors, the slightest short ball is quickly punished.
- Defensive play off the glass requires precision: a well-judged chiquita can be enough to regain the net.
- On the volley, the bandeja remains the “safe shot” to maintain position without offering an easy smash.
Practical information: where, when, and how to get there
The tournament is played at Palais des Sports (81 rue Raymond Teisseire, 13009 Marseille), with qualifying rounds at CAP7 Padel (41 rue Gustave Eiffel). The official ticketing announces prices starting from €10, and qualifying days are planned to be open to the public.
To prepare for your visit, three useful links:
- official tournament website (schedule, practical information).
- daily schedule (Events) (times and rundown).
- official FIP sheet (structure, documents, order of play).
Key takeaway
- First edition in Marseille: qualifying on February 2–3 at CAP7 Padel, then main draw from February 4–8 at Palais des Sports.
- Two deep draws, with identified seeds and many dangerous pairs from the early rounds.
- Strong “local” interest: several French players in action, and a particular focus on Guichard / Geens from qualifying.
