The first time for mixed doubles
Day 2 of the European Games in Krakow was a historic day for padel. Never, at this level, had mixed doubles competitions been played. In the clubs, where padel is popular, they seems aggregation; in the Krakow Main Square, however, the technical feeling must be even higher and more refined than in men and women’s doubles. The square, a great location for the European Games padel tournament, is filling up with fans but also with players who, when not busy with their matches, are onsite supporting their teammates.
There are 16 pairs in the mixed doubles draw and, as in the men’s, the eyes of the Poles are turned to the court where Jerzy Janowicz, paired with Aleksandra Rosolska, is playing: the two hosts made their debut defeating (7-5 6-4) the Dutchmen Bram Meijer and Stephanie Weterings, star of some CUPRA FIP Tour events and who goes on court showing her extravagant look.
The two Spanish stars, Daniel Santigosa and David Gala – who play the men’s tournament on the same side of the court – are split in the mixed event: Santigosa, paired with Noa Canovas, debuted with a double 6-2 win over Sweden’s Ajla Behram and Anton Andersson; for Gala and Araceli Maria Martinez, on the other hand, a battle to defeat 3-6 7-6 6-4 France’s Jessica Ginier Barbier and Benjamin Tison.