This is a real hecatomb for the first P2 of 2025, which will take place in Spain. The number 1 seed is currently the pair Hispanic-Argentine made of Luciano Capra (27ᵉ) and Juanlu Esbri (25th). While we expected to see the list of registered people is growing 48 hours from the closing of registrations, the opposite effect occurred.

Unusually, the two preceding pairs Capra / Esbri in the ranking, namely Cardona / Augsburger et Bautista / Guerrero, decided to withdraw from the tournament while the two pairs were already registered in P2. This wave of forfeits benefits in particular Dylan Guichard and Clément Geens, who are now found in 17th pair of the table, while the pair Vanbauce / Wagner occupy the 25th position, with only 162 point. A clear sign of the massive boycott which the Spanish tournament is suffering from.

A controversial regulation

This collective withdrawal is a direct consequence of the news reglementation set up by Premier Padel and FIP. According to sources close to the case, the players have decided to to form a block in order to encourage the FIP and Premier Padel to review measures introduced for 2025.

Premier Padel : “a more closed circuit, a step backwards, simply harvesting the work of the organizers…”

The French, also affected by these changes, say be surprised by the decision of Premier Padel. Many believe that the FIP shouldn't just accept all decisions of Premier Padel, But also take into account the interest of the players. The federation is also strongly critiqued :

“We can understand that a private structure wants to highlight its headliners and reduce costs for the organisers, but it is difficult to accept that the FIP does not consult the main parties concerned and remains totally absent on this issue.”

Recall that the FIP had justified his soutien à Premier Padel explaining that the players' interests would be better preserved. However, with this new regulation, Many denounce a “step backwards”.

Gijón P2: a deserted tournament, the players' revolt explodes!

An unprecedented mobilization

In the top 100, the critics are unanimous. But the most surprising aspect of this case is the mobilization of the world top 20. While these measures primarily concern the qualifying players, the best players in the world were keen to display their solidarity towards their colleagues.

However, one question arises: why such a boycott among gentlemen and not among the ladies, while the qualifying players are also badly affected by these new rules? A mystery that remains unsolved for the moment.

Why target a P2 and not a P1 or a Major?

Another question comes back: why boycott a P2, while a P1 and Major also appear before in the calendar? The answer is contractual. The best players in the world are forced to participate in P1 and majors, while for a P2, they have a greater freedom.

The case is far from over. meetings between players and Premier Padel are already planned in Saudi Arabia during the first professional tournament of the year. A season that begins under high tension.

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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