- Marseille Finally Hosts a FIP Platinum: A Strong Signal
- Format and schedule: two scenes, build momentum
- A chart that speaks to “rankings”: what the official documents say
- Spotlight: Clément Geens in Marseille—a player to watch from Belgium
- What to Expect on the Court: The Indoor Spin and the Details That Matter
- Practical Information: Where, When, and How to Get There
- Key Takeaways
Marseille Finally Hosts a FIP Platinum: A Strong Signal
This Monday, February 2, 2026, Marseille is launching the first edition of the Ville de Marseille FIP Platinum. For French padel, the stakes go beyond simply hosting a “great tournament”: a Platinum event represents the very highest level of the international circuit outside of Premier Padel, with a level of competition that immediately changes the dynamics of the week. Here, even the early rounds can feel like the round of 16 at other tournaments.
The setting lives up to expectations: from February 4 to 8, the Palais des Sports will transform into an arena, with a center court designed for intensity and intimacy. The goal is clear: to make this debut a major event—both in terms of the competition… and the experience offered to the audience.
Format and schedule: two scenes, build momentum
The tournament is divided into two stages: qualifying begins at the club level, and then the main draw takes place indoors on the center court. This format creates a natural build-up of excitement: first, the battle to “qualify,” then the seeds and the big duels at the Palais des Sports.
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| Mon., February 2 | Qualifying Rounds – Day 1 (10 a.m.–7 p.m.) at CAP7 Padel (41 rue Gustave Eiffel, Marseille). |
| Tue., February 3 | Qualification – Day 2 (9 a.m.–7 p.m.) at CAP7 Padel. A day of “do-or-die” matches to secure a spot in the main draw. |
| Wed., February 4 | Start of the main draw – 1st round (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) at the Palais des Sports (81 rue Raymond Teisseire, Marseille). |
| Thu., February 5 | Second round (10 a.m.–8 p.m.): the day when the field narrows and upsets are still possible. |
| Fri., February 6 | Quarterfinals (11 a.m.–8 p.m.): The intensity has clearly ramped up, leaving less room for error on serves and during transitions. |
| Sat., Feb. 7 | Semifinals (1:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.): “prime time” session, with the atmosphere of a major sporting event. |
| Sun., Feb. 8 | Finals (starting at 11:30 a.m., scheduled for 11 a.m.–7 p.m.): women’s final followed by men’s final, closing ceremony. |
For detailed day-by-day schedules (and official descriptions), the dedicated page is still the most convenient: match and game day schedule.
A chart that speaks to “rankings”: what the official documents say
The best way to gauge the strength of a tournament is to look at who is a seed… and who has to go through qualifying. In Marseille, both draws feature big match-ups with talented pairs capable of turning points in a match with a string of returns, a better-timed approach shot, or cleaner volley exchanges.
Men’s Draw: The 8 Seeds and the Trap Matches
In the men’s main draw, the eight seeds are clearly identified. What we’re watching for most closely in this inaugural edition is the favourites’ ability to handle the environment (the crowd, the arena, the indoor tempo) without burning out too early.
- TS1: Francisco Guerrero / Javier Leal
- TS2: Javier Garrido / Lucas Bergamini
- TS3: Leonel Daniel Aguirre / Alejandro Arroyo
- TS4: Javier Garcia / Javier Barahona
- TS5: Carlos Daniel Gutierrez / Gonzalo Gabriel Alfonso
- TS6: Alejandro Ruiz / Juanlu Esbri
- TS7: Jairo Bautista / Lucas Campagnolo
- TS8: Valentino Gabriel Libaak / Alex Chozas
Elsewhere in the draw, several sections are drawing attention from the French-speaking side. Two wild cards are already adding a special touch to the draw: Nuno Deus / Thomas Leygue and Johan Bergeron / Timéo Fonteny. And in the qualifying rounds, the big match-up is often intense right from the start: French pairs are set to face off, including Manuel Vives / Maxime Joris, Philemon Raichman / Yanis Muesser, Yoan Boronad / Jérémy Robert, Arthur Hugounenq / Thomas Seux, and Nathan Courrin / Lucas Pillon.
View the official PDF: Men’s Entry List (pairs, points, qualifying events)
Women’s Draw: Seeds Announced, and a Chance for the French Players
In the women’s draw, the main draw immediately looks promising: a variety of matchups, contrasting playing styles, and rounds where the “game plan” will matter just as much as sheer skill. The eight announced seeds are:
- TS1: Alejandra Salazar / Alejandra Alonso
- TS2: Aranzazu Osoro / Victoria Iglesias
- TS3: Lucía Sainz / Raquel Eugenio
- TS4: Jimena Velasco / Marta Barrera
- TS5: Ksenia Sharifova / Marta Borrero
- TS6: Lucía Martínez / Águeda Pérez
- TS7: Laura Luján / Ana Catarina Nogueira
- TS8: Jana Montes / Alix Collombon
On the French side, there are two key players to watch: Alix Collombon, seeded first (with Jana Montes), and Carla Touly, paired with Camila Fassio—a pair capable of keeping it close in big matches. Not to mention the wild cards Lucile Pothier/Louise Bahurel and Camille Sireix/Melissa Martin, who will generate real interest among the “French public” right from the start of the week. And just like in the men’s draw, the CAP7 padel qualifying rounds can serve as a launching pad for ambitious duos.
View the official PDF: Women’s bracket
Spotlight: Clément Geens in Marseille—a player to watch from Belgium
In the qualifying draw, one duo is drawing attention on the Belgian side: Dylan Guichard is teaming up with Clément Geens, Belgium’s No. 1 and ranked around 92nd in the FIP ranking. A “solid” player, often associated with a very pragmatic reading of the game: indeed, Geens consistently focuses on the details that win points without necessarily “forcing” the issue (quality of the return, micro-adjustments in positioning, and managing dips).
And in Marseille, the story immediately took a concrete turn. On Monday night, Geens/Guichard advanced past the first round of qualifying in three sets (6-2, 6-7, 6-2), in a back-and-forth match where they had to “bounce back” after losing the tiebreak in the second set. Interesting stat: The pair really made the difference with their efficiency at key moments, converting more break points and winning a higher overall number of points.
Their next opponent has already been determined: in the second round, they will face Marcel Font and Iago Fuertes Leonardo in a scheduled match for Tuesday, February 3, during the morning session at CAP7 Padel. To watch their progress day by day, check out our update here: FIP Platinum Marseille: Clément Geens gets off to a strong start and has his sights set on the second round.
What to Expect on the Court: The Indoor Spin and the Details That Matter
The tournament is scheduled to be held indoors, and that changes a lot of things: fewer external factors, so a more “pure” assessment of skill levels. Points are earned more on the quality of the shot, accuracy in targeting specific areas, and the ability to maintain the right height under pressure.
- In the early rallies, pay close attention to the quality of your returns and initial volleys: indoors, even the slightest short ball can quickly cost you the point.
- Window shots require precision: a well-placed chiquita can be enough to win the net.
- On the volley, the bandeja remains the “go-to” shot for holding your position without giving up an easy smash.
Practical Information: Where, When, and How to Get There
The tournament will be held at the Palais des Sports (81 rue Raymond Teisseire, 13009 Marseille), with qualifying rounds at CAP7 Padel (41 rue Gustave Eiffel). The official ticket office lists prices starting at €10, and the qualification rounds are scheduled to be open to the public.
To help you with your preparation for the visit, here are three useful links:
- Official tournament website (schedule, practical information).
- Event Schedule (Events) (times and itinerary).
- Official FIP form (structure, documents, order of play).
Key Takeaways
- First edition in Marseille: Qualifying rounds on February 2–3 at CAP7 Padel, followed by the main draw from February 4 to 8 at the Palais des Sports.
- Two packed brackets, featuring seeds and numerous tough pairs right from the early rounds.
- There’s a lot of “local” interest: several French players are in the mix, with a special focus on Guichard and Geens starting in the qualifying rounds.
