The football legend joins the Asia Pacific Padel Tour, debuting in front of full stands and advancing through the Amateur draw.
Finals Day is now set for Sunday, October 12, to crown new champions in Dubai.
Spanish football legend Andrés Iniesta during his debut match at the APPT Emirates NBD Masters in Dubai. Photo: APPT
Dubai, October 11 – The APPT Emirates NBD Masters kicked off in style at Padel Art Dubai, bringing together hundreds of players from across the world for four days of competition and community. Among the many stories that marked the opening days, one stood out for fans and media alike, the participation of Andrés Iniesta, who made his official debut on the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT).
The World Cup-winning Spanish midfielder, admired for his vision and humility on the football field, joined the Amateur Category alongside fellow Spaniard Daniel Casanova Bataller, embracing the sport that continues to captivate athletes worldwide. The pair advanced through the early rounds before falling in the Round of 16 after a close three-set match against Ben Pringle (UAE) and Christos Erics (UK), 6-1, 1-6, 4-6.
Andrés Iniesta embracing the padel spirit at the APPT Emirates NBD Masters. Photo: APPT
As the event moved into the business end of the tournament on Saturday, the Pro Quarterfinals delivered a night of world-class padel. In the Male draw, Pol Alsina & Jan Masferrer continued their dominant run with a straight-sets win over Lázaro Cornaglia & José Arcos, setting up a semifinal clash against Fabricio Iván Peirón & Tito Allemandi, who defeated Shungo Kusakabe & Tim Brown. On the top half, Nacho Gadea & Javier Puerto overcame top seeds Sergi Nogueras & Marc Bernils, and will now meet Sergio Icardo & Francisco Jurado Sosa, who advanced past Eduard Altimires & Adrià Mercadal.
The Pro Female draw at the APPT Emirates NBD Masters showcased the tour’s growing depth and the impressive evolution of women’s padel across Asia Pacific. Photo: APPT
In the Female category, the semifinals are now set between Joanna Tao Yee Tan & Mariam Yasmin Garsin versus Ji Vichithong & María Martínez, and Iris Donate Murcia & Cristina Musial Navarro against Ángela Caro & Sol Pérez, following a strong performance from both Spanish pairs in their quarterfinals.
The tournament, running from October 9 to 12, will conclude on Sunday, October 12, with the Finals Day at Padel Art Dubai, where new champions will be crowned in front of packed stands and an increasingly global audience.
“Seeing Andrés Iniesta play on an APPT court is a proud moment for us,” said Carlos Carrillo, CEO of the Asia Pacific Padel Tour. “It represents exactly what this project is about, connecting cultures through sport. His presence in Dubai brought excitement, inspiration and perfectly reflected the bridge that padel is building between Asia and Europe.”
Schedule – Sunday, Oct 12 – Finals Day & Closing
Final Matches (7:00 AM – 8:30 PM)
Awards Ceremony & Closing Celebration after Finals
Pro Male – Semifinals
Court 5 – 15:00
Nacho Gadea / Javier Puerto vs Sergio Icardo / Francisco Jurado Sosa
Court 5 – 16:30
Fabricio Iván Peirón / Tito Allemandi vs Pol Alsina / Jan Masferrer
Pro Female – Semifinals
Court 4 – 15:00
Joanna Tao Yee Tan / Mariam Yasmin Garsin vs Ji Vichithong / María Martínez
Court 4 – 16:30
Iris Donate Murcia / Cristina Musial Navarro vs Ángela Caro / Sol Pérez
All set for Finals Day at the APPT Emirates NBD Masters in Dubai, with the last matches ready to decide the new champions. Photo: APPT
The APPT will post live updates, photos and videos via Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Matches will also be streamed live on our YouTube channel; use the hashtags #APPT and #APPTDubai to join the conversation.
Instagram: @asiapacificpadeltour
Facebook: Asia Pacific Padel Tour
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YouTube: Asia Pacific Padel Tour for LIVE coverage
Event Page: Asia Pacific Padel Tour
For Media & Content:
Media registration: media.asiapacificpadeltour.com
For event photos, athlete imagery, and media center access: Media Center
About the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT)
The Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) is the leading professional padel circuit in Asia Pacific, dedicated to expanding the sport’s footprint across the region through events, strategic partnerships, and player development. With a calendar that spans from national team competitions to professional Opens, Grand Slams, and now the Masters category, the APPT provides a platform for both established stars and emerging talent. Its mission is to unite nations, inspire new communities, and showcase padel on some of Asia Pacific’s most iconic stages.
Confirmed 2025 APPT Calendar
APPT Bali Simply Padel Challenger | Oct 17 – 19 | $3,250
Karachi Grand Slam | Oct 30 – Nov 2 | $13,000
Mumbai Grand Slam | Nov 6 – 9 | $13,000
Phnom Penh Open | Nov 28 – 30 | $6,500
APPT Open – Ubud, Bali | Dec 5 – 7 | $6,500
Jakarta Master Final | Dec 18 – 21 | $40,000
