Christian Murphy and Sam Jones have exited at the second round stage at the FIP Italy Major in Rome, the second of the FIP Majors – equivalent to a tennis Grand Slam – to have taken place this year.
They got off to a dream start in the first round on Saturday where they encountered wildcard pairing Emanuele Fanti and Lorenzo Rossi Tani and proved too strong for the Italians, triumphing 6-4 7-6 in 1hr 32 minutes.
Jubilant scenes ensued as Murphy 23, and Jones, 22 celebrated the first win by a British pairing on the new FIP (International Padel Federation) tour.
In their second round match on Sunday however they came up against eight seeding of Matias Nicoletti (ITA) and Francisco Nuno Gomas (BRA). The Brits fared well in what was a much tougher test, but fell short as they succumbed 3-6, 4-6.
Murphy, who has been a regular in European tournaments for several years, said of his partner Jones: “Sam is playing well, he’s getting more experience of these type of tournaments, and he’s improving every day. I’m happy that we’re developing some really talented British players”.
He continued: “It’s great to compete as a British pair, to have a positive impact on the sport in our country, especially at a time when interest in padel is on the up”.
Murphy, who was born in Kingston, UK, but moved to Spain at 6 months old, has retained his British status, representing Great Britain in Qatar last year at the World Championships. He resides in in Murcia but trains in Alicante, under the watchful eye of Jordi Munoz, a former double World champion. Sam Jones also represents Great Britain, but splits his time between his home in UK and training in Barcelona.
The two were accompanied in Rome by John Leach, who boasts an impressive CV as the current GB men’s coach, a former GB captain, and former LTA Padel Tour no.1. Leach runs Home of Padel, a company dedicated to the growth of padel throughout the UK.
The men’s draw in Rome is heavily populated by a Spanish contingent as 56 pairs compete for prize money of 525,000 euros, with the final taking place on 29th May.
Murphy, who is sponsored by Dunlop and leading UK retailer Padel Shack added: “The organisation by FIP has been incredible. Every detail is taken care of, from the airport transfers, hotel, transport to the tournament; it makes it a privilege to compete and as players we can focus solely on performance”.
Murphy and Jones weren’t the only Brits in action recently. Home favourite Tia Norton has started her campaign at the World Padel Tour Challenger in Mallorca yesterday, as the wildcard pairing alongside Carla Fito. Watch this space for updates.
