LAS PALMAS, May 26, 2025
The 2025 edition of the Sand Series Classic ITF BeachTennis Gran Canaria crowned its champions this weekend, with the world’s top-ranked duo Giulia Gasparri and Ninny Valentini storming to victory in the women’s final. The Italians put on a dominant display to defeat Brazil’s Sofia Chow and Vitoria Marchezini 6-1, 6-2 on the main court.
On the men’s side, the title went to Italy’s Gabriele Gini and Brazil’s Gustavo Russo, who overcame a resilient Brazilian duo, Branco Garrossino and Hugo Paronetto, with a 7-5, 6-1 win in the final.
Women’s Draw: Gasparri & Valentini Shine
The women’s semifinals set the tone for a day of high-quality action. Chow and Marchezini, seeded third, powered past Russia’s Elizaveta Kudinova and Anastasiia Semenova 6-4, 6-1 with an aggressive, no-nonsense performance. Top seeds Gasparri and Valentini continued their fine form in an all-Italian clash, dispatching compatriots Sofia Cimatti and Greta Giusti 6-4, 6-1 in just one hour.
In the final, Chow and Marchezini started competitively, but Gasparri and Valentini quickly took control with sharp attacking play and excellent court coverage. After claiming the first set 6-1, the Italian pair didn’t let up, dictating the pace throughout the second to close out the match 6-2. Their flawless run to the title – without dropping a single set – reaffirmed their status as the world’s best.
Men’s Draw: Gini & Russo Power Through
The men’s competition was fiercely contested, with both semifinals going down to the wire. Gini and Russo earned their spot in the final after a gripping battle against Brazil’s Giovanni Cariani and Daniel Mola, the third seeds. The duo, who had already knocked out tournament favorites Baran and Capelletti, edged through 6-4, 3-6, 10-8 in a tense super tiebreak.
Garrossino and Paronetto also needed a super tiebreak to advance, overcoming second seeds Allan Oliveira and Mattia Spotto 5-7, 6-3, 10-6 in the other semifinal.
The men’s final delivered a thrilling first set filled with explosive rallies and powerful smashes, particularly from Russo. Gini’s sharp net play proved crucial as the pair clinched the set in a tie-break. With the crowd fully engaged, the duo rode the momentum into the second set, dominating 6-1 to seal the title.
Dignitaries & Tournament Praise
Among those in attendance for the finals were Carla Campoamor, Sports Councillor for the City of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, ITF Beach Tennis Director Iain Smith, and José Sepúlveda, President of the Canary Islands Tennis Federation. They joined tournament directors Octavio Santana and Aroa Sánchez in celebrating the week’s action.
Campoamor praised the event’s global appeal: “It’s a great source of pride for our city to host an international tournament of this caliber, welcoming athletes from over 30 countries. It’s especially meaningful to see local players competing alongside world-class professionals.”
Santana expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s success: “This week has been extraordinary – top-level sport, amazing crowds, and players from 30 different nations. The atmosphere has been electric.”
A Global Stage on Gran Canaria
Held at the iconic beach courts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Sand Series Classic continues to be a major stop on the ITF Beach Tennis calendar. The event is organized by ApPROBA Tenis Playa and supported by numerous regional institutions including the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, the City Council of Las Palmas, and the Government of the Canary Islands.
For full results, please visit the tournament’s official website.
