Rivesaltes, Varo-Olivera Palos surprise everyone: victory on debut together

A surprise victory at the FIP Bronze in Rivesaltes, France: Antonio Varo and Joel Olivera Palos claimed the title in their first tournament together, following a final win over Manuel Aragón Herrera and Nacho Morangues (7-6 6-4). In the semi-finals, the Spanish pair had defeated Alonso Rodriguez and Thomas Leygue (6-4 6-3). For Varo, it was also the first title of his career on the CUPRA FIP Tour. “What a way to start this project together with you, Antonio – said Olivera Palos after the triumph -. We are extremely happy with the level we showed throughout the tournament. We must continue training in this way to achieve further strong results. I dedicate this victory to my family: it is sometimes difficult to be away from you on important days, but this work sometimes pays off. Let’s keep going”. Varo also commented on the success: “My first title on the FIP circuit. We played at an incredible level and I really enjoyed myself on court. This is the beginning of something very special”.

In the women’s draw, Maria Caterina Baldi and Clarissa Margherita Aima were crowned champions in France. The pair secured the title after overcoming the tournament’s top favourites: first, they defeated top seeds Sandra Bellver and Ana Domínguez in the semi-finals (6-4 7-5), before, in the final, coming back after losing the first set to beat Carla Touly and Marcella Koek (3-6 7-6 6-4). “After some great matches, we managed to take home the victory. We fought for every point and never gave up – said Baldi after the win -. Clarissa, you are incredibly strong. I am very happy with our level. Now we must continue working”.