GB’s Gibson soars to world high at Paris Major
Aimee Gibson World No 85
by Minter Dial
Britain’s very own No 1 Aimee Gibson had herself a week to remember at the Premier Padel Paris Major at Roland-Garros recently. Teaming up with Spaniard Lucia Micaela Fernandez, the duo entered the qualification rounds with fire in their bellies and little expectation from the outside world.
Left–handed Aimee, ranked 90 worldwide going in, naturally patrolled the right side of the court with Fernandez (No 96) on the left. Their opening test? None other than the sixth seeded qualifying duo Alicia Blanco Rojo (No 86) and Arantxa Soriano Perez (No 72). On paper the kind of tie that makes you check whether the tournament draw gods enjoy a bit of cruelty.
But three sets, and two hours 27 minutes later, Gibson and Fernandez staged a stirring comeback against the Spanish pair to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
However, it wasn’t a stroll through the Bois de Boulogne. Played initially on a minor outdoor court, the heavens inevitably opened because what’s padel in Paris without an encore from the rain? Midway through the first set the match was stopped and relocated to the legendary Suzanne Lenglen Court, mercifully covered and offering Gibson an early taste of the grandeur of this historic venue.
And then the spice: a disputed line call, a touch of shrill shouts from the Spanish opponents (especially grating when it was to celebrate the opponents’ unforced errors), and conveniently timed injury stoppages that, let’s say, raised an eyebrow or two. For Gibson and Fernandez the interruptions only made victory sweeter. They had tamed the storm – of weather, opponents and circumstance.
But Premier Padel early rounds are cruelly unforgiving with scheduling. Having given their all in round one, the pair were forced to lace up again later that same day for the final qualifying round against the rested No 2 seeds Alba Perez Momha (No 65) and Lorena Vano (No 79). The Spaniards, fresh as croissants from a Parisian boulangerie after benefiting from a walkover, proved too sharp. Gibson and Fernandez fell 6-4, 6-2, narrowly missing the main draw.
Still, the Brit left with her head high.
“Amazing to play in this incredible venue and to get my first win in a Major on Court Suzanne Lenglen,” she said afterwards. “Unfortunately we lost in the final round of qualis but feel inspired more than ever to keep working hard to play more at this level.”
That inspiration carried over into the rankings. Gibson is now at a career high of No 85, while Fernandez climbed to 94 (she’s now No 86). For British padel fans it was a glimpse of fine grit and growing pedigree. Rain, drama and hard-fought points – Paris gave Aimee Gibson her stage, and she delivered.
And it was great to see other talented Brits in the commentary booth: the ever-delightful Emily Kilner for Premier Padel and The Padel School co-founder Sandy Farquharson for Red Bull TV. 🎾
Journalist Minter Dial, a roving reporter for The Bandeja, has been playing and writing about padel for decades. As well as being a BPCA certified padel coach, he hosts The Joy of Padel podcast, is an international speaker, award-winning author and film producer, blogger and avid podcaster. Follow him at @mdial and minterdial.com.
