There was British success across the board at the last LTA Grade 1 Padel British Tour event of 2024 at Padium in Canary Wharf over the weekend.
Alfonso Patacho and Chris Salisbury lifted the title in the men’s, while GB No.1 Aimee Gibson and Nelida Brito succeeded in the women’s draw.
The competition was the last of seven LTA Grade 1 events to take place across England, Scotland, and the Channel Islands as part of the British Tour, which encompasses the top padel competitions in the UK. Grade 1 events see the very best British players and international competitors competing in standout events, across full weekends, for prize money.
In the men’s draw of 32 pairs, the final saw the second seeds and LTA Grade 1 Stratford champions Salisbury and Patacho defeat the top seeded British pairing of Louie Harris and Frankie Langan 6-4 6-3.
Salisbury reflected: “This was our last LTA tournament of the year so was an amazing way to end what has been a great season for us. We needed to win it to finish the year with the number 1 ranking so that made it more special.”
British No.1 Aimee Gibson partnered up with Argentinian Nelida Brito to claim the LTA Grade 1 tournament, not dropping a single set all weekend. The win continues the Essex left-hander’s brilliant debut season on tour.
After the final, Gibson said: “It was so nice to compete at home in such a fun environment. Very professional and well organised. I felt proud to bring my partner to the HOP finals and she loved the whole weekend.”
John Leach, director of Home Of Padel, said: “This was a really fun weekend of padel at our HOP Finals in Padium in Canary Wharf. We were treated to high quality matches in both men’s and women’s events. It was a great atmosphere with spectators loving the venue, padel and entertainment. Thanks to all our sponsors to making this event the best of the year.”
