Opening Day at ITF Beach Tennis Sand Series Tour Finals
The opening day of the ITF Beach Tennis Sand Series Tour Finals in Brasília delivered intense matches across both the men’s and women’s ties. Men’s Group A set the tone with Cariani and Mola claiming the first win, defeating Guegano and Russo 6-2, 7-5. Their performance in the first set gave way to a tighter second, but they held firm to close the match.
Top seeds Giannotti and Spoto appeared set for a straightforward victory against Bolletinari and Vigon, leading 6-3, 5-2 with match points on Spoto’s serve. However, Bolletinari and Vigon staged a remarkable comeback, saving four match points and pushing the second set to 6-5. The number one seeds recovered their composure to equalise and take the set to a tiebreak, ultimately winning the match 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).
Men’s Group B Saarlouis saw a historic battle as Lock and Ramos faced Branco and Oliveira in a match that extended to a rare third set. After losing the opening set 3-6, Loch and Ramos fought back to take the second set 6-4. The deciding set was a thrilling contest, going point for point until Branco and Oliveira triumphed in the tiebreak 9-7.
The biggest upset came later in Saarlouis Group B, as second seeds Bran and Cappelletti fell to Burmakin and Andreolini. The newly partnered seventh seeds dominated the first set 6-3, but Baran and Cappelletti battled back in a tense second-set tiebreak to win 7-6 (8-6). However, Burmakin and Andreolini regrouped to clinch the third set and the match, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4.
The women’s Group A Reunion Island kicked off with an all-Italian clash between Gasparri and Valentini and Cimatti and Giusti. Gasparri and Valentini secured a decisive victory, winning 6-2, 6-4. The second match saw top seeds Diaz and Miiller display their dominance, defeating Palos and Lotte 6-3, 6-2.
Women’s Group B Gran Canaria produced a mixed bag of results. Casadei and Costa delivered a shock by defeating the third seeds 6-1, 6-3. Meanwhile, Court 1 hosted a gripping all-Brazilian battle between Marchezini and Chow and Da Silva and Vita. Marchezini and Chow edged out their opponents in the final moments of the third set, prevailing 6-5 with a crucial deuce victory to secure their first win of the tournament.
The first day showcased the depth talent and competitiveness for the first ever ITF Beach Tennis Sand Series, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.