Juan Lebron: "A special bond with Rome". Ari Sanchez: "Errani? Curious to see her play"

"Ari, let’s hope we bring each other good luck," said Juan Lebron, smiling and joking with world number one Ari Sanchez during the draw ceremony for the men’s and women’s main draws, which officially launched the most exciting phase of the BNL Italy Major Premier Padel. “The level is extremely high and winning won't be easy, but that’s normal in such a prestigious tournament,” said Juan after the men's draw was revealed. He won the very first edition of the Rome Major in 2022 and hopes to do it again: “I carry a wonderful memory of that victory. Playing here is always special, and doing it in a beautiful venue like the Foro Italico makes it truly unique”.

Three years ago, the Spaniard triumphed with Galan. Now, he can rely on the talent of Argentina’s Franco Stupaczuk: “I’m really happy to be playing with Franco. I think our season has been positive, even though he had to overcome an injury — that’s part of sports. We’re feeling good and this environment gives us even more motivation to perform at our best. I’ve had a special connection with Rome and the Romans since the first edition of this tournament, and I can’t wait to feel the unique atmosphere of the Foro Italico again”.

The Italy Major continues to grow and evolve, and this year features a tennis legend in the women’s draw: Sara Errani. “I’m really curious to see her play and understand what her level is,” said Ari Sanchez. “I think she’ll do well in padel, even though I’ve never seen her play. It’s definitely a positive thing for the tournament and for all padel fans to have a legend like her in the main draw of a Major”.

Sanchez, who reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking after briefly losing it to Triay/Brea, is also the defending champion in Rome: “I believe losing the top spot in the FIP ranking for a week helped both them — as it gave them more confidence — and us, because it pushed us to raise our level. These close rivalries are essential to improve and maintain focus”. The stars have arrived — let the Foro Italico show begin.