Lyon, Salazar makes it 59 with ‘superbaby’ Calvo. The men’s title goes to Ruiz–Esbri

The emotion on the faces of Alex Ruiz and Juanlu Esbri, of a legend like Ale Salazar, and of one of the brightest Next Gen talents, Martina Calvo. The FIP Platinum in Lyon came to a close with two thrilling finals, the perfect way for three of the four champions to approach the Final 8 of the FIP Euro Padel Cup, which begins Tuesday in La Línea de la Concepción.

WOMEN In the women’s final, Salazar and Calvo, the No. 3 seeds, defeated Tamara Icardo and Marina Guinart 6-3 7-6, sealing the win with a dominant tiebreak (7-1). For both Alejandra and Martina, it’s their first title of 2025, worth 300 FIP ranking points. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won this tournament. Thanks to everyone who helped organize such a high-level event”, said the 2008-born player, who will now represent Spain in the upcoming FIP Euro Padel Cup. “It was a great pleasure to play here for the first time; I hope to come back next year”, added Salazar, who has already admitted that 2026 will be the final year of her extraordinary career, marked by 59 international titles, in addition to those won with the Spanish national team.

MEN Alex Ruiz and Juanlu Esbri will also head to La Línea de la Concepción as champions of the men’s event. In the final, the No. 5 seeds came from behind to defeat the No. 3 seeds, Edu Alonso and Juan Tello, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. For “Captain America” Ruiz, it’s his second FIP Platinum title, following his victory in Mexico in November 2024 alongside Alex Arroyo. “Thank you so much for supporting us throughout these days in Lyon, we’re really happy”, said Esbri, who has already won two CUPRA FIP Tour titles in 2025, the FIP Silver of Oporto and Côte du Midi. “Congratulations to Juanlu for the great match”, added Ruiz. “When you win such a prestigious tournament, with so many strong players, you can only feel proud”.