Milano P1 Sells Out Weekend as Winners Chase an NBA-Style Ring

The Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1 gets going today at the Allianz Cloud, and organizers say both weekend sessions are already sold out. It's the fifth time Milan has hosted a Premier Padel stop, and this year's champions won't just lift a trophy. They'll each take home an NBA-style championship ring.

A loaded field

Forty-eight men's pairs and 28 women's pairs will compete through October 18, with the men's draw pulling from the top 50 in the FIP world ranking and the women's from the top 35. Fede Chingotto and Ale Galan return as defending men's champions, while Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria defend the women's title. The winners leave Milan with 1,000 FIP ranking points and momentum heading into the World Cup in Doha and the season-ending Finals in Barcelona.

Home favorites get their shot

A handful of Italian pairs received wildcards into the main draw, a chance organizers hope pays off down the line. Flavio Abbate and Giulia Dal Pozzo have already turned heads with strong results on home courts, and veteran Carolina Orsi is still flying the Italian flag at this level.

FIP president Luigi Carraro said the city's bond with the sport is part of what keeps Milan on the calendar. "Athletes love Milan and Milan loves these global stars," he said.

Play runs daily at the Allianz Cloud through the final on Sunday.