The CUPRA FIP Tour makes a high-profile stop in Great Britain this week for the FIP Silver R3 Bullpadel Cup in Stratford. The tournament features a competitive field of international talent, with top-ranked pairs looking to capitalize on their recent momentum as the main draw action kicks off from October 9 to October 11.
Key Contenders and Tournament Favorites
The men’s and women’s draws are packed with players who have recently found success on the professional circuit. Here are the primary pairings to watch throughout the competition:
- Juani Rubini and Alex Chozas: As the No. 1 seeds in the men’s draw, the Argentinian duo enters Stratford with significant confidence. Currently ranked No. 31 and No. 59 respectively, they are looking to replicate their recent success from the FIP Gold San Luis in Mexico, where they secured the title in late August.
- Javi Barahona and Ignacio Piotto: Barahona arrives in Great Britain fresh off a strong performance as a finalist at last week’s FIP Gold Perugia, making this pair a serious threat to the top seeds.
- Mariano Gonzalez and Curro Cabeza: This Paraguayan duo is among the highlighted teams expected to make a deep run in the bracket.
- Maxime Joris and Julien Seurin: Representing France, this pairing is also considered one of the teams to watch in a highly competitive men's field.
- Christian Medina Murphy and Alberto Garcia: Local fans will have a home player to cheer for as Medina Murphy teams up with Garcia to compete on the Stratford courts.
- Veronica Virseda and Martina Fassio: The women’s draw is headlined by this powerhouse pair, who are aiming for back-to-back titles after winning the FIP Gold Perugia last week. Virseda, ranked 16th, has had a stellar 2026, already securing victories at the FIP Platinum events in Albania and Paredes.
- Aimee Gibson and Alba Perez: Entering as the No. 2 seeds, this team features home favorite Aimee Gibson, who is coming off a victory at the FIP Bronze Casablanca in September, paired with Spaniard Alba Perez.
- Catherine Rose and Rebeca Lopez: This duo is identified as one of the notable pairs to keep an eye on during the women's tournament.
- Giulia Sussarello and Emily Stellato: Rounding out the highlighted women’s teams, this pair brings additional depth and international experience to the Stratford draw.
The tournament is scheduled to run from Friday, October 9, through the final matches on Sunday, October 11, promising an intense weekend of high-level padel action.
