The Ainterexpo arena in Bourg-en-Bresse is preparing to host the FIP Finals, one of the major events on the international padel calendar, after the success of the FIP Rise last year. With players from the world's top 20, a women's and men's tournament, and a live broadcast on bein sports, the event promises to be magnificent. A look back at the issues and expectations surrounding this competition which will highlight padel at its highest level with the Tournament Director, Alexandre Picquier.

What is the difference between the FIP Finals and a FIP Rise tournament?
The FIP Finals tournament is on a whole new level. Everything will take place at Ainterexpo exhibition center on three fields, and the level will be significantly higher. Last year, despite a remarkable line-up thanks to the cancellation of the Mexico tournament, with players from world top 100, this year we have players from world top 20. Another important novelty is the introduction of a women's tournament, absent last year. In addition, bein sports will be broadcasting the semi-finals and finals live, adding extra visibility. And as always, we will be broadcasting with Padel MagTV the preceding towers.

What about registrations?
They close on Wednesday 6th, but we already know that several world top 20 pairs will be present.

Let us remember that the best pairs in the world qualify thanks to a precise system:

  • 15 pairs from the world ranking.
  • Continental invitations :
    • 2 pairs from North America,
    • 3 from South America,
    • 1 from Asia,
    • 1 from Africa.
  • La French Tennis Federation has 2 wild cards to complete this prestigious table.

Why include a women's event?
It was a strong desire. Women's padel is just as spectacular as men's. This does not really complicate the organization. On the other hand, welcoming a total of 96 players (men and women combined) changes the game in terms of logistics. We had to adapt our infrastructure to meet this requirement.

How did you get into the world of padel?
It's a bit of an unexpected adventure. Originally, this project was mainly the dream ofHubert Picquier, and we were there to support him. After dramatic circumstances, we had to learn quickly to organize, last year, an international tournament faithful to his ambitions. This required a lot of effort and personal investment. Fortunately, our work was recognized and praised by the authorities.

What does hosting the FIP Finals mean?
It is a great source of pride, but also a colossal challenge. Organising such an event pushes us to surpass ourselves. Although our city is modest, we want to prove that we are capable of competing with the great padel capitals or even with the countries of the Middle East, which invest massively in this sport. Our strength lies in our sports culture and unique atmosphere that we will be able to create at Ainterexpo. However, we know that we are expected to deliver and that we must be irreproachable to continue to host events of this scale.

What are the logistical challenges?
The FIP Finals bring together the world's padel elite for five days. With a budget of more than 450 000 €, we mobilize more than 90 volunteers to ensure a perfect organization. This Masters tournament will see 96 players divided between men and women, in an arena that promises a unique atmosphere.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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