Spanish duo claim victory at inaugural FIP Silver R3 Bullpadel Cup in Bristol
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This weekend, Rocket Padel in Bristol hosted the first British FIP event of 2025 - the FIP Silver R3 Bullpadel Cup - marking the highest level of professional padel event ever hosted on British soil.
This landmark event highlights the sport's rapid growth across Britain and it's increasing prominence within the wider sporting landscape.
The tournament hosted a men’s and women’s event, with 32 pairs competing in both draws.
Alongside this, the event also saw Bristol host the first of three FIP Promises tournaments, important junior tournaments that give young talents the chance to earn international ranking points in their respective age categories.
The women's competition concluded with a standout performance from Spanish pair Monica Gomez Rivas and Camila Fassio Goyeneche, who claimed the title with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over Italian second seeds Lorena Vano and Emily Stellato.
The Spanish duo expressed their excitement following their run to the title in Bristol, saying, “We came onto the court feeling really strong, and we’re so happy with the win.”
"We really liked the venue. The organisation was excellent, and the physios were fantastic. It was also great to see so many people come out to watch – that means a lot.
Tia Norton, the highest ranked British female in the draw, made a strong run to the quarter-finals alongside Belgian partner Helena Wyckaert. The pair fought hard but were defeated in three sets by the eventual champions, Gomez Rivas and Fassio Goyeneche.
Meanwhile, the men’s competition concluded with an impressive victory for Italy’s third-seeded pair, Flavio Abbate and Alvaro Montiel Caruso. The duo delivered a commanding performance in the final, defeating eighth seeds Adrian Naranjo Martinez and Christian Fuster in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.
Following their win, Abbate and Caruso said, “It’s been fantastic playing here this weekend. The organisation has been excellent, and the venue is top-class. We’re really happy with our performance and are already looking forward to returning to Great Britain – thank you!”
There was also a strong showing from British players Louie Harris and Alexander Loughlan, who made an impressive run to the quarter-finals before eventually losing out to the sixth seeds in a tightly contested three-set match.
Sam Kemp, R3 Managing Director, spoke on the event's success, saying “It has been a privilege to welcome the British and global padel community to Rocket Padel Bristol to showcase how far the game has come in the UK.
“The FIP Silver R3 Bullpadel Cup has marked a moment for Padel in GB with the highest level of professional competition, record-breaking crowds and the first international junior tournament. Thank you to everyone that made the event happen and congratulations to our winners!”
Libby Fletcher, LTA National Performance Pathway Manager, reflected on the FIP Promises saying, “It was great to attend the first ever international junior FIP Promises tournament in Great Britain last weekend in Bristol. This is a big milestone for LTA junior padel and the first of three tournaments we have committed to bringing here this year to provide our British players the opportunity to compete internationally.
"The tournament was very competitive with a strong European entry list, it was fantastic to see our GB players battle against more experienced pairs and show that junior padel in this country is growing rapidly and improving.”
View the full 2025 LTA Padel Performance Competitions Calendar:
See the full results from the R3 Bullpadel Cup in Bristol:
