From Narbonne to Caen: the intertwined destinies of Insa and Fuertes

Au FIP Silver of CaenFerran Insa (ranked 100th in the world) was accompanied by a very young partner: Iago Fuertes238th in the world, born in 2010… only 15 years.
Together, the experienced Spaniard and the young Spanish player achieved a feat by eliminating in quarterfinal the tournament's number 1 seed, Gonzalo Rubio et Javier Ruiz, respectively 37th and 38th ranked players in the world.

A performance that once again confirms the reputation ofBut : that of a player capable of spotting future gems of the world padel.
Meeting with Ferran Insa et Iago Fuertes for Padel Magazine.

A resounding achievement

On paper, the match seemed unbalanced. Facing them were two players established in the world top 40On the other hand, a pair formed solely for this tournament, with a 15-year-old still discovering the very highest international level.

And yet, on the trail In Caen, the scenario quickly changed. "In theory, they were the favorites," Insa admits.
"It was a very difficult match, but I believe we had prepared for it very well."

Playing without pressure and with real freedom in their game, the Spanish pair managed to outmaneuver Rubio and Ruiz.

"The result was not what was expected, and that's precisely what helped us. We played very freely," explains Insa.

Ferran Insa and Iago Fuertes FIP Silver de Caen 2026

Iago Fuertes, 15 years old and already without any hang-ups

On the ground, it's hard to imagine that Iago Fuertes He's only 15 years old. Born in 2010, the young Spaniard played with complete freedom, absolutely unfazed by either the event or the level of his opponents. Impressive. "Iago played a very good match; he made some very important points," his partner emphasized.

For his part, the player himself displays surprising maturity: "My goal this year is to continue having fun. I'm 15 years old, I have no pressure, and that's what this sport gives me."

A simple approach, but one that already works on the FIP circuit.

An association that is far from insignificant

Although their association was surprising in Caen, their story does not begin there.
A few months earlier, during the FIP Silver of NarbonneThe two players had faced off. semi finalIt was Fuertes who prevailed against Insa. A revealing match. When Insa was looking for a partner for Caen, the idea came naturally.

“When my partner, Albert roglan"He told me he was on vacation, and I immediately thought of him. I remembered Iago, even though he's still far down in the rankings."

The realization was clear: "He plays exactly the way I like to play."

A simple sentence that sums up their connexion on the track.

Insa, the nose for future stars

This is not the first time that Ferran Insa has focused on youth.
The Spaniard has already distinguished himself by sharing the track with Tino Libaak, well before the Argentine player's explosion onto the world stage. "I always prioritize feeling good on the track rather than looking at the ranking »

For Insa, the danger isn't always where you expect it: "There are players who don't yet have the points, but who already have the level. When opponents don't know them, it becomes much more complicated."

A circuit reading based on the game, more than on the numbers.

Learn, observe, grow

For Iago Fuertes, playing alongside a player from the world top 100 It represents much more than just a tournament. "When he called me, I thought I would play with him not only for his game, but also for his experience. He can teach me a lot."

At 15, the young Spaniard continues to progress without rushing things, while already accumulating references on the circuit.

What comes next?

This association will remain, for the time being, temporary. "For the moment, we are not going to continue together. Each has their own partner," explains Insa.

The Spaniard, however, has clear objectives for the rest of the season: to establish himself permanently in the top 100, then aim higher. "My goal at the end of the year is to be in the top 90, maybe 80. We'll see."

In Caen, Ferran Insa et Iago Fuertes they did not just deliver a performance.
They told a story. The story of an experienced player who continues to trust his instincts, and of a 15-year-old who already plays fearlessly against the world's elite.

An achievement, yes. But perhaps above all, the first real chapter of a journey that international padel would do well to follow closely.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 at Domaine De Clairis in Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his antoushiasme and his " Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!