Carraro: "Rome is padel and padel is Rome". All the statements from the press conference

From the qualifiers on Saturday, June 15th, to the finals on Sunday, June 23rd, the greatest padel returns to Rome for the 2024 edition of the BNL Italy Major Premier Padel presented today. Here's the official statements for the press conference:

Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation: "The Major in Rome represents one of the most important moments of the season, and not only from a technical point of view, because in the splendid site of the Foro Italico, everything becomes unique and unrepeatable. I’m thinking about the spectacle of Centrale - the central court, a true temple of the racket, or the emotion of the great players stepping onto the Pietrangeli court, cheered by a unique audience for their enthusiasm and passion. Rome is padel and padel is Rome: the first two editions of the Major have taught us this, two beautiful pages in which the FIP and Premier Padel have found extraordinary travel companions such as the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation and Sport e Salute in organizing this unique event".

Alessandro Onorato, Councilor for Major Events, Sports, Tourism, and Fashion of Roma Capitale: "Rome is the capital of padel, it is the city where it is played the most in Italy, with over 350,000 practitioners on 1,487 courts in 399 facilities, numbers that increase every month. The Padel Major, for the third consecutive year in the Capital, is a continually growing event that gives prestige to Rome and contributes to the expansion of a movement that has become a social as well as a sporting phenomenon. It will be a spectacle to see the strokes of the champions in an international tournament that enhances the already packed calendar of major events in Rome".

Diego Nepi, CEO of Sport e Salute: “When we decided to bet on padel, we did so with a forward-looking perspective. In three years, Rome has become one of the 4 major padel tournaments in the world (along with Doha, Paris, and Acapulco). Milan has consolidated its appeal, and this year Genoa will host a P2. This is the idea that drives Sport e Salute when it decides to bet on an event: not just the event itself, which ends with the proclamation of the winners, but the event that establishes itself. The Foro Italico, like a film set, transformed in a few days from the red of tennis to the blue of padel, adapting to the needs of the event while never losing its nature: mutable but immortal”.

Flavio Siniscalchi, Head of the Department for Sport - Presidency of the Council of Ministers: “It’s an honour to be here today and bring you the greetings of the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi. Premier Padel represents an important reference point and the 2024 edition increases its relevance also considering the recent inclusion of sport in our Constitutional Charter, in recognition of the educational, social and psychophysical well-being promoting value of sporting activity. Indeed, padel, being an activity accessible to all, fosters the creation of bonds and friendships, and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. In Rome in particular, padel is widespread and practised at all ages: it has more than 1 million practitioners in our country, of which about a third in Rome alone”.

Luca Ranieri, Head of ESG Strategy, Communication & External Relations at BNL BNP Paribas: "Padel, as the numbers tell us, is more than just a sport; it has now become a social and economic phenomenon, attracting a diverse range of enthusiasts who over time have been drawn to this discipline, discovering its accessibility and inclusivity. For the second consecutive year, we are the title sponsor of the BNL Italy Major Premier Padel, a choice that not only strengthens our bond with the FITP – already solidified after 18 years of partnership for tennis with the Internazionali BNL d’Italia – but also allows us to connect the name of the Bank and the Group to such a popular sport. Once again, Rome – also thanks to our support – becomes the stage for an international event of such strong appeal, and we, who have the Bank's General Management in the Capital, can only be proud of this".

Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests: "Padel is a sport I am particularly fond of, and in my few free moments, I always try to find time for a match. Padel in Italy has managed to engage a large number of people. Significant numbers that are bringing our Nation among the top in the world. As 'Masaf', we will always strive to promote a combination that leads to well-being: sports and healthy eating".

Adel Aref, Tour Director, Premier Padel: “We are delighted to bring our second Major of the 2024 Premier Padel season back to Rome’s iconic Foro Italico. Last year’s tournament marked a historical moment for Premier Padel with men and women playing in the same tournament for the first time – it was a memorable occasion – and we were delighted to welcome a huge number of fans. This year will be bigger and better – we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and support of all the players, partners and sponsors to deliver one of the most eagerly anticipated tournaments in the 2024 calendar”.