The home magic: Laia Rodriguez shines in Collbató. “Happy to have won where it all began”

“I can’t wait to experience this moment with my people,” said Laia Rodriguez less than a week ago, just hours before her first match in a tournament that was particularly important to her. The FIP Silver Slam in Collbató was not an event like any other for her, as the Catalan town is where she grew up; therefore, the victory achieved alongside Noa Canovas – also playing at home given her origins in nearby Barcelona – carries an even more special meaning. Especially as the tournament and the final, dominated 6-1 6-4 against the number one seeds Patty Llaguno and Carolina Orsi, were played at a particularly special venue, the Slam Sports Club, where Rodriguez began her padel journey.

 

“I am happy, very happy, to have won at home, at the club where I started playing at the age of nine and where I grew up, and to have shared this moment with all my people, my family and my friends,” said Rodriguez. Canovas echoed her teammate’s words: “There is nothing that makes me happier than playing in front of the people who are close to us every day. I can only thank you for your constant support: this success is also yours. I am proud of us, of the commitment we showed this week and of everything that is still ahead of us.” After the celebrations, Rodriguez and Canovas immediately return to action: this week they will compete at London P1.

 

In the men’s draw, the title was also won by a player born in Catalonia: Arnau Ayats claimed his first CUPRA FIP Tour title alongside Emilio Chamero, defeating Francisco Jurado and Alejandro Garcia in the final (7-6 6-1). “It is a great feeling to be able to play close to home, especially when your family and friends can watch you compete,” said Ayats. “Thank you to everyone for your support during such a demanding week, but one with a really happy ending. Above all, thanks to everyone who supports me every day and to my parents.” Ayats then joked about his change of position: “In the end, playing on the right side is not so bad,” a change also commented on by Chamero: “Now we know which side is yours. We played well at many moments; now it is time to fine-tune the details.”