Their tournament has just ended, but Albanian players Rea Qinami and Brisilda Kuqo are still reflecting on the emotion of competing on the centre court in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, the venue where, from today until 30 May, the main draw of the first historic edition of the FIP Platinum Albania will take place. The two players competed in a tournament of this prestige for the first time in their careers. “I have to be honest: on court I was very emotional, but I am proud of how I played – said Qinami -. I am sure that the next time we have the opportunity to play in a tournament of this level, we will perform much better”. Brisilda Kuqo was also highly satisfied with the experience: “It was a pleasure to play in this square and to step on court with players I normally watched on television and of whom I am a fan. It was a new experience from which I learned a great deal”. Their run ended in the round of 32 against a strong pair such as Italy’s Carolina Orsi and Spain’s Patty Llaguno, No. 28 and No. 22 in the FIP rankings respectively, in two sets (6-0 6-0).
This tournament once again confirms the importance of padel at international level. “For Albania, it is very important to host a tournament of this level because the best male and female players in the world have come here – said Kuqo -. In our country, we have both professional and amateur players. For me, it was an honour to receive the wild card from the Albanian Padel Federation: I am grateful to all the organisers of the event. To further develop padel in Albania, it is necessary to have new clubs where teenagers and children can practise this sport”. Qinami also shared her thoughts on the Albanian padel movement: “It can grow worldwide”.