Blanqué-Joris champions in Frascati, first trophy for the French pair

A partnership formed only a few weeks ago, but already capable of delivering a first major result. Bastien Blanqué and Maxime Joris won the FIP Bronze Frascati, claiming their first title together after a week as protagonists on the Italian courts. In the final, the French pair defeated the number one seeds, Italians Giulio Graziotti and Simone Iacovino, in three sets (6-3 3-6 6-3), after a tournament that saw them improve match after match.

 

For Blanqué and Joris, it was their fourth tournament as a team and their first trophy together on the CUPRA FIP Tour. Joris continues to celebrate after winning the FIP Bronze Singapore title alongside Manuel Vives, while Blanqué returned to winning ways more than a year after his success at the FIP Bronze Manila. “A victory that gives meaning to the work we have done together,” said Joris after the win. “Thank you to the whole team for the commitment and support you show us. Now it’s time for some rest before starting the second half of the season in the best possible way. You were fantastic throughout the weekend, Bast: you are a champion.”

 

In the women’s draw, the applause went to Rebeca Lopez and Blanca Cerrejon. After a hard-fought semi-final won in comeback fashion (3-6 6-4 6-4 against Guimet/Molinilla), the number one seeds claimed the title against Italians Emily Stellato and Giulia Sussarello, who were forced to stop in the second set due to a physical issue for the latter. It was also the first title together for the Spanish pair. “First of all, I want to wish Giulia a speedy recovery,” said Rebeca Lopez, who added: “Blanca, I am proud of the level we showed throughout the tournament, in very difficult matches: we deserved a moment like this. This tournament is for my family, my boyfriend and my grandfather, who looks after me from above.”

 

Cerrejon also dedicated a thought to Sussarello: “It cannot be easy to retire during a tournament, and even less so in a final. Stay strong!” She then thanked her partner: “Rebe, you deserved to end this first half of the season with a tournament like this! Thank you for your commitment and for fighting alongside me, I know it is not always easy.”