Malaga crowns Spain and Italy: celebrations for the first edition of the FISU World University Championship Padel

Spain claimed two titles, with Laura Lujan and Agueda Perez winning the women’s competition and Arnau Candelo Casas and Marisol Fernandez Garcia taking the mixed title, while Italy triumphed in the men’s event thanks to the pairing of Michele Brambilla and Noa Bonnefoy. These were the winning nations at the inaugural FISU World University Championship Padel, held in Malaga from 7 to 11 July.

 

The competition was more than just a sporting event in which three titles were awarded. It was an experience that gave university athletes memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. On court there was healthy competition, while off the court the focus was simply on enjoying the occasion. Organised by the FIP together with the University of Malaga, the event once again demonstrated padel’s ability to bring younger generations together, with students representing universities from across 20 competing nations.

 

WOMEN Home favourites Laura Lujan and Agueda Perez were crowned champions on Spanish soil after defeating fellow Spaniards Ana Dominguez and Ana Sanchez in the final in straight sets (6-2 6-2). “It was the first time we had played together. We’re very happy to have won the first FISU World University Championship Padel here” said Perez. “It was great to play alongside Laura.” Lujan also expressed her delight with the result: “We’re very happy to have won the competition. We’ve made history. Viva España!” The eventual champions had secured their place in the final with a 7-5 6-1 semi-final victory over France’s Louise Bahurel and Clara Mansart. The French pair went on to claim the bronze medal by defeating Italy’s Francesca Ligotti and Giorgia Rosi in the third-place play-off (6-4 7-6).

 

MEN As in the women’s competition, the men’s title was decided by an all-national final. Italy’s Michele Brambilla and Noa Bonnefoy defeated Simone Iacovino and Matteo Brambilla after a closely contested match that was settled only in the third set (4-6 6-3 6-4). “We had a fantastic tournament,” said Brambilla. “The final was incredible because we were playing against two friends. Our country won both the gold and silver medals, and we’re extremely happy with this result. Forza Italia!” The champions had produced an outstanding performance in the semi-finals to defeat the tournament’s top seeds, Spain’s Ferran Gonzalez Zamorano and Alejandro Jerez Carnero (7-6 6-3). The Spanish pair nevertheless finished on the podium, securing the bronze medal with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Alejandro Prados Davalos and Eneko Arija Ochoa De Alda.

 

MIXED Spain completed a double, adding the mixed title to its women’s crown. Arnau Candelo Casas and Marisol Fernandez Garcia claimed the gold medal by defeating France’s Nathan Courrin and Louise Bahurel in the final. “Every match in this type of tournament is difficult. I’m happy to have won this medal,” said Candelo Casas. Spain also secured third place, with Valeria Atencia and Alvaro Solà defeating the Netherlands’ Puck Bernard and Thomas Panken.

 

The tournament marked another important milestone in the global growth of padel. It demonstrated how the collaboration between FISU and the FIP is built on shared values such as passion, inclusion, fair play and a commitment to showcasing the appeal of the sport while respecting opponents. Malaga’s summer of top-level padel is far from over, with the Spanish city set to host a Premier Padel P1 tournament from 13 to 19 July.