Victoria Nicholas revelled in the support of her ‘home’ crowd as Rocks Lane Chiswick played host to 200 high-calibre international players at the FIP RISE event over the Easter weekend.
Victoria, who is coached by Rocks Lane Padel Head Coach and former World Padel Tour player Álex Grilo, partnered with British No.2 Catherine Rose in the ladies’ draw and managed to reach round two before being knocked out by eventual title winners Lorena Alonso De Lera and Ana Varo Ramos.
“We were disappointed that we weren’t able to find our level but it was great experience to play against such strong opposition in front of a home crowd,” said Victoria. “I am going on holiday to Thailand now but am looking forward to getting back on the practice court then competing again in our next tournament, likely to be in Italy.”
Sophia Haine and Lisa Phillips were the only other British women’s pair to reach round two. There, they lost 6-0 6-0 to sixth seeds Martina Calvo Santamaria and Aida Martinez Sunjuan, who had beaten in-form GB No.3 Aimee Gibson and Paula Canivell Varona 6-4 6-3 in the first round.
One highlight of the women’s competition was a three-hour semi-final clash between Spanish pair Kaori Peco and Maria Perez and Aida Martinez and Martin Calvo – who are both just 15 years old and coached by Rocks Lane’s Alex Grilo (pictured below).
In the men’s draw, British pair Chris Salisbury and Alfonso Patacho beat lucky losers Ethan Bardo and Jaime Lobo 6-1 7-5 in the first round but lost 6-2 6-4 to Karlos Rodriguez Vidal and Antonio Varo Ramos thereafter.
This year’s event saw Rocks Lane collaborate with local businesses who welcomed players, coaches and families with deals and discounts in their hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Women’s title winner Lorena Alonso De Lera took in some London sights before heading back to Madrid on Monday. She said: “I am very happy to win this FIP tournament in London. This tournament there were many good teams and it was very difficult.
“We played five matches and some were very complicated. However, we knew how to compete and adapt to the track and conditions and we managed to win.”
Flavio Abbate, who won the men’s trophy alongside Italian compatriot Guilio Graziotti, said: “Winning a tournament is always fantastic but winning one so important and of this level makes me even happier. I am very excited and very happy with everything we are doing with Giulio and our team.
“One of the highlights of the tournament was when we won the quarter-finals by hitting back from 6/1 3/0 down. Coming here to London is always beautiful. The club and staff are amazing and I hope to return as soon as possible!”
The five-day event was a great collaboration between the whole Rocks Lane team including management, cafe, bbq and reception staff, coaches, junior volunteers, tournament director Chris Dolphin and tournament referee Kris Dymond.
Sponsors of the event were: Playtomic, Savills, Drop Shot, Padelshack, Chiswick Barbell Club, Clinic4Sport, Room2, VibePadel, Go Mate, Lea & Sandeman.
The next big international event to be held at Rocks Lane Padel Chiswick will be the Euro Padel League (EPL) on 4-7 July.
