Martin Muedini and Alensio Serjani could never have imagined a day like this, not even in their wildest dreams. Two Albanian players competing in Skanderbeg Square, in the heart of Tirana: receiving a wild card for the FIP Platinum Albania had already given them an unforgettable emotion, but Martin and Alensio achieved even more, defeating world number 29 Inigo Jofre, partnered with Hong Kong player Lok Hei Jamie Yau, 6-4 6-4. A victory that earns them a place in the last 16 against one of the strongest pairs in the draw, Spain’s Alex Ruiz and Juanlu Esbri, the tournament’s number 7 seeds.
What happened today on Tirana’s centre court is destined to remain in the history of Albanian padel, and in part also Italian padel: Serjani was born in Barletta, where he lives and works as a FITP (Italian Federation) national coach at Tennis Village Pietro Mennea. His entire family lives in Barletta and, naturally, followed the live stream of what was a remarkable achievement. “An incredible emotion,” said Serjani, 31, wearing both the Albanian and Italian flags on his shirt. “My parents moved from Shkodër, and I come back here every two weeks, also to teach padel. I have been to Skanderbeg Square many times, but I never imagined I would one day play an international FIP tournament here, the second of my career after the Promotion event in Tirana in 2023.”
Even in these opening days, the FIP Platinum has already attracted large crowds to the square. “We are talking about a sport that is growing a lot here as well. I also started playing in Tirana, where Alessandro (Pallini, Italian entrepreneur, editor’s note) opened a club. I come from tennis and I am also a tennis coach, but eight years ago I tried padel for the first time. At first I thought it was not a sport for me, but then I tried again with friends and fell in love with it because it is fun. Very fun”.
Serjani and Muedini were also able to celebrate with many friends and, in Martin’s case, with his family too, as they all live in Tirana, including Doa, his daughter who was born three months ago. “This victory is obviously dedicated to her, to my wife and to my family”, said Muedini. “It was my first match at this level and I am extremely happy: this is what we want to do for our country. I always dreamed of winning a match like this, first in tennis, which I played for 17 years, and now in padel, which is growing very quickly in Albania. The federation is doing a good job, motivating players and organising many tournaments. We are on the right path”.
And from today, everyone will remember the achievement of Serjani and Muedini, the two national heroes of Albanian padel.