Winners with Sheikh Saeed and other dignitaries during the presentation ceremony.

Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Association, presented the trophies to the winners of the 2023 World Padel Tour season opener Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master during the awards ceremony at Bab Al Nojoum, Hudayriyat Island.

Agustín Tapia/Arturo Coello Manso defeated Alejandro Galan Romo/Juan Lebron Chincoa (7-6 / 6-3) to win the men’s tournament, while Ariana Sanchez Fallada/Paula Josemaría Martín clinched the Women’s title by beating Alejandra Salazar Bengoechea/Gemma Triay Pons [6-3 / 6-3]. Also awarded were Ariana Sanchez Fallada and Arturo Coello Manso, who were bestowed the ‘Most Valuable Player’ award in their respective categories.

The sold-out finals provided thrilling excitement from some of the world’s top players who battled it out in the custom-built court on the beach. The winning duos expressed their delight at being awarded the highest-ever World Padel Tour points haul of 2,000 points.

Aref Al Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Abu Dhabi has cemented its position as a premier host of world-class sporting events. The Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master has proven to be a resounding success, not only for the players and spectators, but for the entire regional sports industry. It has provided invaluable opportunities for the growth and development of padel in the UAE and the wider Gulf region, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s defining sporting infrastructure and capabilities.

“The event has been a testament to the emirate’s potential as a hub for global sports, and we are incredibly proud of the Emirati players, who participated and demonstrated the country’s potential as a padel powerhouse. We will continue to support and encourage the growth of the sport in the UAE.”

Padel’s meteoric rise as the fastest-growing sport in the region is nothing short of remarkable, and the Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master provided a unique opportunity to embrace the sport’s burgeoning popularity, creating a platform to celebrate and appreciate the UAE’s padel community and passionate enthusiasts.

Ramon Agenjo, president of the World Padel Tour, said: “The Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master has been an exceptional event, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s readiness to host sports events and our commitment to fostering a vibrant culture for sports in the region. The qualifications of the Emirati players, and the region’s first-ever participation in the main draw of a World Padel Tour tournament, mark a significant moment for the sport in the Arab world, inspiring young players and promoting greater diversity and inclusion in the sport.

“We are proud to have organised this event with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and thrilled to have been a part of such a prestigious tournament, which has brought together the world’s top players and local talents, furthering the growth and development of padel in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.”

The electrifying atmosphere at the tournament was fueled by passionate crowds, who were a mix of Spanish, Emirati, and GCC fans, as well as fans from the rest of the world, giving the matches a unique and vibrant transcontinental flavour. The final attendance figure of 6,000 visitors highlights the rising popularity of padel in the UAE, with more people discovering and enjoying the sport each year.

Namir Hourani, managing director of GMOL Events, said: “As the exclusive organisers of the World Padel Tour Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master, GMOL Events is proud to have delivered an unforgettable experience for the players and the fans. The tournament was a massive success, drawing a significant turnout of over 6,000 spectators and showcasing some of the most impressive performances by padel stars from around the world, and we congratulate the winners on a tournament well played.”

The World Padel Tour will continue to South America in March, as it embarks on its most international schedule ever for 2023. Abu Dhabi has agreed to be the venue for the first Master tournament of the WPT calendar every year for the next four years and given the success of the Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master, one can only expect this event to go from strength to strength.