The FIP Silver Australian Padel Open returned to Game4Padel in Docklands from January 14 to 18, drawing elite players from around the world. Spanish pairs dominated the finals in both men's and women's doubles categories. The event highlighted the sport's growing popularity in Melbourne.
The Australian Padel Open, a major FIP Silver tournament, took place at Game4Padel on Lorimer Street in Docklands, marking the second consecutive year the venue hosted the event. Padel, a racquet sport blending elements of tennis and squash, is played in doubles on an enclosed court where walls can be used for bounces, requiring quick movement and strategy. Teams must win six games with a two-game lead to claim a set.
Over five days, competitors from countries including France, Japan, England, and Italy vied for prize money and FIP ranking points in men's and women's doubles matches. The quarterfinals and semifinals occurred on January 17, building excitement for the finals on January 18.
In the men's final, Spanish duo Miguel Morales Domenech and Jordi Casanova Bataller defeated another Spanish pair in two straight sets to secure the title. The women's final saw Carla Fernandez Gonzalez and Nerea Guerra Santana of Spain triumph in straight sets over Victoria Kurz of Germany and Eugenia Guimet Bigas of Spain.
This tournament underscores padel's status as the world's fastest-growing racquet sport. As Melbourne's first padel facility, Game4Padel has boosted the sport's presence in Victoria, attracting over 75,000 visitors annually. The event fostered community engagement in Docklands, with 50 percent of play between 4 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., transforming the area into a vibrant social hub focused on health and fitness beyond office hours.