Home of Padel co-founder Javi Serrats hailed the “outstanding” padel on show at last weekend’s LTA Grade One HOP Pro event at Harrogate’s Surge Padel.
GB internationals Sam Jones and Louie Harris triumphed in the men’s final while Tia Norton and Aimee Gibson were victorious in the women’s tournament as a combined £3,500 prize pot was shared out.
Serrats also made time to partner Jamie Eccleton to a semi-final placing after they had pulled off the shock of the men’s event by beating No.2 seeds Nikhil Mohindra and Francis Langan in an epic three-set quarter-final.
As he took stock of the opening Grade One LTA Padel British Tour competition, Serrats admitted he and fellow tournament director and HOP Padel founder John Leach had been wowed by a wonderful weekend in North Yorkshire which was exceptionally well supported.
“This was our best tournament so far both in terms of entries and the level played but also in terms of the number of spectators,” Serrats told The Padel Paper. “We had great help from the referees supporting us as organisers and also the people at Surge Padel.
“Both days there was a great amount of people coming along to what was the highest level of padel in the UK and that was noticed by the players. Even the host club was surprised by the numbers who came along to watch.”
When it came to quality of action on display in both events Serrats was in no doubt that was it was good as anything seen before on British courts: “The quality of the men’s final was outstanding,” he reflected. “It was a very high level and we were pleased to stream it on Instagram Live. I have to say it was spectacular padel.
“The level was very good from the opening rounds. The quarter-finals were very tough and in the semis, both winning pairs were outstanding.
“Sam and Louie did very well to beat Jorge [Martinez Del Campo] and Rafa [Vega Otaolaurruchi] in straight sets in a very good quality match while in the other semi, Alfonso [Patacho] and Chris [Salisbury] took care of Jamie [Eccleton] and myself very well!
“In the final, I would say the standard was of a level that has been seen very few times in the UK in a match that had three sets including an exciting tie-break.”
Jones and Harris beat Salisbury and Patacho 6-2, 6-7, 6-3. “The four guys just played at their very best level and the spectators loved it,” said Serrats.
On the women’s event, he commented: “Not only was the level outstanding, and in my opinion the highest level hosted in the UK, but we had 18 pairs in the draw which is the biggest so far in the women’s game.
“With it not being in London there was a great commitment from the players to travel to Harrogate and we really want to thank all of the female players for their dedication to our tournament and congratulate Tia and Aimee on their victory.”
Serrats was also keen to issue a shout-out to the tournament sponsors: “Both John and my appreciation goes to Nocco, Padel Shack and Portico Sport who have been very supportive of the event and also to Surge Padel Harrogate for allowing us to host such a fine competition.”
