The adventure of Beautiful FIP STAR Isla plan Padel is not only a sporting success, it is also a symbol of the potential of Mauritius as a future crossroads of padel. A look back at a first edition that brought together more than 15 nationalities and players from world top 100, and which augurs a promising future for sport in Mauritius.

Jean-Thomas Peyrou, the Tournament Director, looks back on this adventure and the ambitions for 2025.

Review of the Beau Plan FIP STAR Isla adventure Padel

The adventure began with a meeting with Fabrice Perroux. For the record, we phonetically have the same name, and this immediately created a great understanding between us. Fabrice had a real idea in mind: with the construction of his club Isla Padel, opened for just over a year, he already wanted to organize an international event. The club was designed to meet all the Specifications necessary for this type of organization, which was very pleasant for us in the implementation.

We jumped into the deep end with great enthusiasm, taking on the challenge of organising a international tournament for the first time in the Indian Ocean. It was a real gamble, because the paddle is still in the early stages of its development in Mauritius. For my part, being a big fan of this island, being able to introduce padel there was a real challenge. The players responded, and for a first edition, we had a very beautiful painting, with over 15 nationalities represented, and players of the world top 100.

We were able to count on the support of many partners to make this exceptional event happen. The players were housed in a beautiful hotel, and their feedback has been extremely positive. I have tried to bring my professional paw to ensure the success of this event, and with the help of the Mauritian teams, that of Fabrice and my team in France (including Padel Magazine, David Matteo as a referee, and many others), we coordinated remote and on-site work to make this tournament a success.

FIP STAR ISLA PADEL MAURITIUS
FIP STAR ISLA PADEL MAURITIUS
Peyrou Perroux Maurice

What struck me: Mauritian professionalism

What surprised me the most was the will, professionalism and infatuation of all the Mauritian teams on site. Whether it was the technique, the branding, the layout of the stands or even the security, everything was impeccably managed. We have put in place many things to guarantee a professional tournament, and the local teams did an exceptional job. The Saturday, the day of the finals, was a highlight. TheMauritian public enthusiasm and the people present, some of them new to padel, was remarkable. Many wanted to learn more about the discipline, and some even wanted to try it right away. At this level, I think we really succeeded in our bet. Organizing such an event was not easy at the beginning, especially to fill the stands during the finals. But this first edition was a success, and I hope that others will follow.

Fabrice Perroux aims for a Platinum FIP in Mauritius for 2025

Future prospects for the tournament

I think it's almost official now: the Beautiful FIP Plan will continue. Fabrice and his partners want to make this tournament grow. For my part, I have received very positive feedback from the International Federation of Padel (FIP), often criticized, but which, for this tournament, supported us a lot. The FIP sees what we have achieved in a positive light, and wishes to perpetuate this event. We also have the ambition to structure the development of padel in Mauritius, by creating a real federation local. This tournament could become the locomotive of this development. Next year, we plan to move up a category: a FIP Gold or even a FIP Platinum is under study. A tour in the Indian Ocean is also being considered, which would be a great development. I am very optimistic about the future of this tournament, which I hope will continue to grow for years, even decades, and bring its share of surprises for the next editions.

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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