Melbourne Padel Open: Cremona–Richters start 2026 with another title

After back-to-back wins in the final tournaments of 2025, Simone Cremona and Sten Richters kick off 2026 with yet another victory. The Italian–Dutch pair claimed the title at the FIP Bronze Melbourne Padel Open in Australia, continuing their great run of form. Paired together for just over two months, Cremona and Richters enjoyed a perfect week, lifting the trophy after beating Spain’s Guillem Figuerola and Roberto Belmont (6–3 6–3) in the final, without dropping a single set. “Three titles in a row. No exceptions. No step back”, said Cremona after the match. “What can we say, if not that we are truly happy about the special chemistry that has been created between us, built on trust, hard work, respect and friendship – the right ingredients to keep growing and doing even better!”

In the women’s draw, the title went to 18-year-old Carla Fernandez and Nerea Guerra, who secured her third win in Melbourne after taking the FIP Rise in 2023 and the FIP Promotion in 2024. The Spanish duo dominated the final, beating Cris Carrascosa and Jimena Díaz de la Iglesia (6–1 6–2). “It feels amazing to start the year like this”, said Carla Fernandez. “Thanks to everyone who came out to support us over the past few days — you gave so much to the team. Nerea, let’s keep improving and enjoying it!”

Melbourne stays in the spotlight this week with another big event: the FIP Silver, starting on Wednesday at Game4Padel Docklands. Italian tennis star Sara Errani will be in action alongside Brazil’s Schuck, while the FIP Bronze champions Cremona/Richters and Fernandez/Guerra are also back on court, already chasing another title.