Alex Ruiz (17th FIP) and Alex Chozas (28th FIP) have decided to participate in the stage of Tucumán Open, on the circuit A1 Padel, chaired by Fabrice Pastor. An announcement that caused a stir, since Ruiz thus becomes the first player from the FIP Top 20 to play in a tournament on this parallel circuit Premier Padel.

Both players got a wildcard, allowing them to enter the main draw directly without going through qualifying.

A strategic choice for Ruiz and Chozas?

This decision comes as The Tucumán tournament, which takes place from February 28 to March 9, does not coincide with a stage of Premier PadelThe pair could have aligned on the FIP Platinum from Mexico City to Puebla, where other pairs such as Cepero / Torre, Hernández / Valenzuela or even Aguirre / Alfonso (number 1 of the A1 Padel) have chosen to remain in the official FIP circuit.

But why did Ruiz and Chozas opt for an A1 tournament? Padel ?

If the official response has not yet been given, several reasons can explain this choice:

  • An opportunity financial for both players.
  • A desire to test a circuit that attracts more and more professional players, especially after the reduction of tables imposed by Premier Padel.

A1 Padel recovers players from Premier Padel

The decision ofAlex Ruiz, a player who has played in the biggest tournaments of World Padel Tour et Premier Padel, could be a major turning point in the relationship between these two circuits. Already 15 players from the FIP circuit have signed a contract with A1 padel and if a player of his caliber finds his account on A1 Padel, this could further weaken the monopoly of the FIP and Premier Padel.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !