From Tunisia to Kosovo, Padel’s Mediterranean celebration in Taranto: “Being here is something special”

From Albania to Morocco, from Türkiye to Slovenia, with Croatia and Montenegro also in the mix: at the Mediterranean Games, the celebration of emerging Padel is the true leitmotif of the opening day at Parco del Mediterraneo Salinella. While waiting to see the stars of the FIP Ranking take to the court, the spotlight is on players who, match after match, are taking their countries into an international dimension they have never experienced before. The defining image came at the end of the match won by Tunisia’s Mehdi Elloumi and Mohamed Aziz Helali against Greece’s Balafas/Sioulis: a victory that tells the story of an entire movement. Tunisia had never taken part in an international competition — either in the men’s or women’s event — and doing so on the centre court in Taranto marks the beginning of a new sporting chapter.

 

“It’s an incredible feeling. The setting and the atmosphere have been truly fantastic. At this moment, we are happier than ever,” said coach Elian Ruquet. “It was a very, very important match: for Tunisia, it was the first time in an international competition, and at the beginning we were a little tense. But we did it.” And now comes the satisfaction of facing two Spanish top players in the next round, David Gala and José Diestro: “For us, it will be a celebration. They are very strong opponents, but we will try to enjoy it and give our best.”

 

A similar joy was shared by Kosovo’s brothers Lavdrim and Leotrim Krasniqi, who were already part of their country’s first international victory — in the 2024 European Championships qualifiers — and today won on their debut at the multi-sport event. “That was a very important moment, even though it was a qualifying event. We come from a relatively small country and today it is an honour to be here at such a prestigious event. In the past, it was very difficult for Kosovo to have a national Padel team. Now, however, we have grown, there have been many improvements and this is a sign that we are moving in the right direction. It is a great source of satisfaction.” A moment they want to enjoy to the fullest, especially with a ‘derby’ against another pair of brothers, Portugal’s Nuno and Miguel Deus, coming up. “They will have to be careful!” the Krasniqi brothers joked, before explaining what they expect: “We know it will be a very difficult match. But it will also be very special because the players from the two teams have the same surname: it will be a derby between brothers and it will be great because it creates a special atmosphere. But it will be tough and we will have to be ready. We will give our best.”

 

Beyond the result, it is the atmosphere that makes the experience even more special for these emerging Padel nations. “It means a lot to us,” said Slovenia’s Bostjan Repansek after winning alongside his partner Simon Javorsek against Serbia’s Acimov/Cerbi. “When you see the other athletes in the Village or around the city, many of whom are Olympians, you realise the importance of this event. It is important for Padel to be here alongside athletics, swimming and other sports with a 100-year Olympic tradition. For our sport, it is truly something special.”