Lucia Sainz chasing the third title of 2026: in Parma to extend her streak

From the celebrations in Manila to Parma in pursuit of a second consecutive title and a third since the start of the year. Lucia Sainz returns to the court at the FIP Silver Mediolanum Padel Cup in the Italian city, with the main draw getting under way on Thursday. Once again partnering Raquel Eugenio – with whom she won the FIP Platinum in Marseille – the world number 21 in the FIP Ranking leads the women’s draw of 32 pairs, ahead of Italy’s Carolina Orsi and Leti Manquillo, the latter fresh from victory at the FIP Bronze in Siracusa. Also among the seeded players are Agueda Perez and Lucia Martinez, as well as two other members of the Italian national team, Martina Parmigiani and Emily Stellato. There is particular anticipation for Elsa Terranova, born and raised in Parma, who after reaching the semi-finals in Siracusa will play a CUPRA FIP Tour event in her home city for the first time.

The men’s draw at the Pro Parma Sport Center also promises a high level of competition, with Mario Del Castillo and Ignacio Vilariño seeking another success following their win at the FIP Bronze in Doha. Also among the leading contenders are Mario Huete and Adrian Marques, while in the upper section of the draw Simone Iacovino and Lorenzo Di Giovanni emerge as key figures, having contributed to Italy’s bronze medal at the FIP Euro Padel Cup. All seeded players in the men’s draw will take to the court in the opening round, while in the women’s draw the top six seeds will begin their campaigns on Friday after receiving a first-day bye. The quarter-finals are scheduled for Saturday, with the semi-finals and finals to be played on Sunday.