From Coello-Tapia to Lebrón-Stupa, the big stars’ world dream begins tomorrow

From the qualifiers to the clash with the world’s number ones, eagerly awaited at the Arena Kuwait. Lucho Capra and Aimar Goñi closed another brilliant day at the FIP World Cup Pairs, after qualifying for the main draw yesterday and taking a strong Day1 win over Aris Patiniotis and Jesús Moya (6-3 6-1) in just over an hour. Tomorrow, their path will cross with that of Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia, in the match scheduled not before 6 pm (local time) on the BNK Central Court.

Before the world No.1s return to action, Martín Di Nenno and Leo Augsburger will make their debut among the most anticipated pairs: facing the No.5 seeds, Pablo García and David Gala, who today defeated Fernández/Del Castillo (7-5 6-4). Meanwhile, the remarkable run of 17-year-old “Coquito” Zamora and Rafa Méndez continues — also coming from the qualifiers — after today’s victory over Emilio Sánchez and Enzo Jensen (7-6 6-4). Among the most celebrated Day 1 results was the win by Denis Perino and Ignacio Piotto over Miguel and Nuno Deus (6-4 3-6 6-4); the Italo-Argentinian duo now earn a meeting with Álex Ruiz and Juanlu Esbrí (11). Pedro and Álvaro Meléndez will face Momo González and Fran Guerrero (7), while the final match on Central Court will feature Juan Lebrón and Franco Stupaczuk against Pablo Lijó and Maxi Arce.

WOMEN While waiting for the seeded pairs to enter on Wednesday, the women’s draw opens with many of the stars from last week’s FIP Euro Padel Cup. Starting with Alix Collombon, silver medalist with France, who will take the court tomorrow with Jana Montes against Lucía Martínez and Nuria Rodríguez. The other French player, Léa Godallier, will team up with Giorgia Marchetti — bronze medalist at the European Championships with Italy — against the qualifiers Piltcher/Valenzuela. Among the “azzurre”, Giulia Dal Pozzo and Sandra Bellver will face Teresa Navarro and Noemí Aguilar.Kuwait’s Dalal Alqenaei — who previously played in the FIP Asia Padel Cup — will make her home debut tomorrow with Eugenia Guimet against Carolina Navarro and Melania Merino, while Zenab Sarkhoo, who also competed in the asian tournament, teams up with Xenia Clascà against Casali/Cañellas.