Hola Padel enthusiasts! It’s time to talk about the 2023 Padel Junior World Cup, and guess who stole the show? Yep, you guessed it – Spain.
If you missed the latest showdown in Asuncion at the FIP Juniors World Padel Championships, fear not. We’ve got the scoop on the fiesta that celebrated not only Spain’s triumph but also the rise of Padel as a global powerhouse.
PADEL PALOOZA IN PARAGUAY
In the heart of Asuncion, Paraguay turned into the ultimate padel arena for the Junior World Cup, where Spain took the crown, but the real winner? Padel itself. The week was a dazzling showcase of the sport’s future, with young talents from around the world stepping up their game, making this edition the most thrilling one yet.
SPAIN SCORES A PADEL HAT-TRICK
Picture this: Spain, draped in gold after a spectacular 3-0 victory against Argentina in both the men’s and women’s finals. Ferran/Portilla, Perez/Calvo, and the dynamic Ustero/Alonso duo clinched victories in an epic showdown, showcasing that the future of Spanish padel is brighter than ever. Italy joined the podium party, securing the bronze with a 2-1 win over Sweden in the women’s category.
The men’s final was no less of a spectacle. Garcia/Fuertes, Zamora/Calvo, and Gala/Collado displayed padel prowess, securing Spain’s victory against Sweden. Argentina snagged the bronze with a 2-1 win over Paraguay, making it a South American affair.
SPANISH DOMINATION IN ‘OPEN’ DRAWS
The victories didn’t stop there. Spain asserted its dominance in the ‘open’ categories with Covadonga Verdejo/Paula Ferran Diaz (women’s Under 14), Andrea Ustero Prieto/Agueda Perez Ortiz (women’s Under 16), Alejandra Alonso/Laura Lujan Rodriguez (women’s Under 18), Nicolas Fernandez Diaz/Aaron Garcia Rubio (men’s Under 14), Juan Zamora Perez/Francisco Cabeza Teres (men’s Under 16), and Guillermo Collado/Marcos Gonzalez (men’s Under 18).
Brazil joined the celebration, scoring big in the Under 12 Open with Rafaela Martina Lins/Martina Nilson Hossen (women’s) and Eduardo Casagrande/Murilo Alves Sampaio (men’s) taking home the gold.
THE FIP PRESIDENT DECLARES PADEL AWESOMENESS
Luigi Carraro, president of the FIP, couldn’t contain his excitement, stating, “We noted a very high technical and organizational level. I say it with immense pride: this junior world championship was unique, incredible, beautiful…” Well said, Luigi. The padel world agrees!
So, here’s to the Spanish youth, to Paraguay’s epic hosting skills, and to the thrilling future of Padel. The 2023 Junior World Cup was a padel palooza for the ages, leaving us all craving more court action. ¡Vamos padel!
