The FIP Bronze tournament in Alicante concluded with thrilling victories for both the women’s and men’s categories, showcasing a mix of seasoned talent and rising stars. Ana Dominguez and Sandra Bellver claimed the women’s title, while Samu Rivas and Luis Oliver Artigas secured the men’s trophy after a high-stakes weekend of competition.
Tournament Highlights and Results
The women’s draw saw Ana Dominguez and Sandra Bellver dominate the competition, marking a significant milestone for Dominguez, who secured her first CUPRA FIP Tour title of the year. For Bellver, this victory adds to an already impressive season, following her previous wins in Houten, Cyprus, and Yogyakarta. The tournament also featured a notable performance by veteran player Ale Salazar, who reached the semi-finals alongside 14-year-old NextGen talent Carlota Lamas Rodriguez.
The path to victory and the key takeaways from the event include the following results:
- Women’s Semi-Finals: Dominguez and Bellver advanced by defeating Alba Perez and Alba Gallardo in a match that ended 6-2, 7-6.
- Women’s Final: The championship match was a hard-fought three-set battle, with Dominguez and Bellver ultimately overcoming Aida Martinez and Nati Lopez with a score of 7-6, 1-6, 6-3.
- Men’s Semi-Finals: Samu Rivas and Luis Oliver Artigas pulled off a major upset by knocking out the No. 1 seeds, Victor Ruiz and Mario Ortega, to earn their spot in the final.
- Men’s Final: Rivas and Artigas maintained their momentum to defeat Jaime Munoz and Mario Huete in straight sets, finishing 6-4, 7-6.
Following the victory, Samu Rivas expressed his gratitude toward his partner, Luis Oliver Artigas, for his consistent performance throughout the tournament. Rivas, born in 2008, emphasized his commitment to his training and his team, noting that he is eager to maintain this level of play as the season enters its final stretch. The event in Alicante serves as a clear indicator of the rising competitiveness on the FIP circuit, highlighting both the depth of established players and the potential of the sport's youngest prospects.
