DOHA – Martin Di Nenno and Franco Stupaczuk came out guns blazing at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Sunday evening as they overpowered fourth seeds Carlos Daniel Gutierrez and Fernando Belasteguin in straight sets to win the season-opening Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel title in style.
The all-Argentina final saw Martin Di Nenno and Franco Stupaczuk –ranked No. 5 and 7 in the world respectively – needing just under two hours to win 6-2, 7-6.
The duo received trophies from Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) President Nasser Ghanim Al Khelaifi and President of FIP Luigi Carraro in the presence of QTSBF Secretary-General Tariq Zainal.
Ooredoo CEO Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al Thani presented the winner’s cheque to the pair, worth €94,500.
Di Nenno, who won last year’s Ooredoo Qatar Major with partner Paquito Navarro of Spain, was happy to lift the title once again.
“I feel so happy because this is my second time winning the title here in Doha. I feel like the conditions in Doha suits me well,” the jubilant 25-year-old Di Nenno said.
For his partner Stupaczuk, the 2023 Ooredoo Qatar Major title is his third Premier Padel title.
“I’m really happy to win the Ooredoo Qatar Major here in Doha. I would like to specially thank the wonderful crowd here at the stadium.
“We felt the support of the fans. Thank you very much for being here to support us,” ‘Stupa’ said just before the presentation ceremony.
Despite failing to lift the title, World No. 3 Belasteguin was happy to have made the final in Doha.
“So happy with our performances in the final because we were able to fight until the last moment,” Belasteguin said soon after the final.
“I’m also grateful to be here despite the loss. It’s not easy to defeat Di Nenno and Stupackzuk. They are two amazing players. I’m really happy to have played in the final here in Doha in front of a wonderful crowd at Qatar Major,” Gutierrez said.
While Di Nenno and Stupaczuk claimed the opening set with relative ease, they were tested in the second set by their opponents, who rallied to take it full distance.
Di Nenno and Stupaczuk adjusted to the rivals’ plan of slowing down the pace and also overcame their lobs and all-round court craft to delight the Sunday crowd especially from Argentina and Spain besides the many Qataris at the stadium.
Source: Qatar Olympic Committee