From children to elderly spectators, from Tirana residents to visitors arriving from distant towns, many Albanians took advantage of the national holiday to come to Skënderbeg Square and support local heroes Alensio Serjani and Martin Muedini. And it did not matter that, after yesterday’s historic victory, they were defeated by the number 7 seeds Alex Ruiz and Juanlu Esbri: their supporters came above all to cheer them on amid the artistic beauty of the city centre. The FIP Platinum Albania has transformed Skënderbeg Square into an open-air arena, attracting hundreds of people fascinated by the spectacle provided by some of the world’s best players. Between those already organising their first match with friends and those chasing selfies with the stars of the circuit, one thing is clear: padel is much more than a sport, it is becoming one of the city’s new passions. The increase in spectator numbers is a positive sign for the growth of padel in Albania.
“Today I came by bus from a town outside Tirana. I had heard about this tournament and curiosity encouraged me to come here”, said Juliana, a 20-year-old spectator. “After seeing the level of the matches, I am really glad I came: I enjoyed it and now I want even more to start playing this sport”. Among the many people who had not previously discovered padel, there are also those who have already been playing for some time, like Tedi: “I knew the sport before this tournament began. I started playing a few years ago, here in Tirana, with some friends. I am very proud that our country has hosted an event like this”.
Among the crowd was also Lorenc Jemini, a former international football referee. This time he was not there to officiate a match, but simply to enjoy the show. Alongside his passion for football, he has also cultivated a love for padel for several years. “Having played tennis, when this sport arrived in Albania around 2020 I became involved, also as a public figure, in several sporting initiatives. I liked it immediately: I have now been playing for six years”. Many others, after attending the FIP Platinum Albania, may now feel inspired to give it a try.