The situation with the registration list for the first Premier Padel tournament in Spain in 2025 remains unresolved. At first, not a single Top-20 player had signed up, then it became clear that none of the Top-50 players were on the list, and now, astonishingly, there aren’t even any players within the Top-100 registered for the P2 of Gijón. This is a critical moment, and despite efforts from the lawyers and brands involved to urge players to reconsider, their stance remains unchanged. In a last-ditch attempt to avoid a boycott, the organization and the international federation have sent a joint document to the players, hoping to resolve the issue.
The Meeting and Its Aftermath
A meeting was held on February 13 between the parties involved to try and find a solution for the tournament in Asturias. Unfortunately, neither the pressure from the lawyers nor the request from one of the most important paddle brands for their sponsor, nor this meeting, have had the desired effect. Meanwhile, the women’s side of the competition remains unaffected, with all the main contenders still participating.
The men’s side, however, is a different story. Premier Padel and the FIP have sent another letter to the players, attempting to persuade them to lift their veto on Gijón. This letter outlines the reasons behind the male players’ decision, including the reduction in draw sizes for certain events this season, which has led to lower-ranked players being eliminated earlier. The organization of the Cupra FIP Tour has also modified its distribution of points, which has further exacerbated the issue. There are also other aspects of a more legal nature that are being reviewed.
A Solution on the Table
So, what do the organizers propose to solve this situation? Essentially, they are offering to address the concerns of the players directly. This includes a detailed study and analysis of the issues at hand, with a commitment to negotiate in good faith and equity with the PPA (Association of Professional Players). They also propose to formalize any agreements reached and respect them. Furthermore, they suggest establishing a periodic agenda of meetings and committees between Premier Padel, the FIP, and the PPA, aiming to give players a greater voice in the decision-making process of professional paddle.
This letter reflects not only the critical situation the circuit is facing but also the lack of communication between the PPA and the regulatory bodies of the sport. The city of Gijón has ended up being the biggest loser in a problem that should never have arisen, with all parties seemingly guilty. The question now is whether the players will reconsider their stance or maintain their boycott of the tournament in Gijón. The future of the Premier Padel tournament hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if a resolution can be reached.