His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco recently demonstrated his passion for padel by attending the 20th Mediterranean Games. An avid amateur player himself, the Prince engaged with tournament officials and professional athletes, even participating in the ceremonial coin toss for a high-profile match.
Prince Albert II’s Engagement at the Mediterranean Games
During his visit on Tuesday afternoon, Prince Albert II showcased his enthusiasm for the sport while dressed in a casual, sporty ensemble. His visit included a series of interactions with key figures and athletes, highlighting the growing prestige of padel on the international stage. His activities during the event included the following:
- Official Greetings: The Prince began his visit by meeting with the staff of the Mediterranean Games and the International Padel Federation, followed by a meeting with the Organising Committee President, Massimo Ferrarese, and various event officials.
- Match Observation: After his official meetings, the Prince took a seat in the VIP area to watch live padel action taking place on the Central Court.
- Ceremonial Coin Toss: Prince Albert II stepped onto the court to perform the coin toss for the match between Portugal and France. The match featured the Portuguese duo, the Deus brothers, facing off against the French pair of Thomas Vanbauce (Fonteny) and Timéo Boronad.
- Athlete Engagement: Following the match, the Prince spent time speaking with several prominent players and participating in photo opportunities. The athletes he met included:
- Sofia Araujo: The current world No. 8.
- Lucia Sainz and Patty Llaguno: Former world No. 1 players.
- Carolina Orsi and Giorgia Marchetti: The top-ranked Italian women’s pair, who were accompanied by their head coach, Marcela Ferrari.
This visit underscores the Prince's ongoing commitment to the sport, as he continues to be a visible and active supporter of the padel community at major international sporting events.
