It is not uncommon, when consulting the tables of a padel tournament - whether it is an FIP tournament or a stage Premier Padel – to see certain pairs indicated as “alternates”But what exactly does this term cover?

A place on the waiting list

The statute alternate means that a pair is in waiting listIn other words, it is not directly integrated into the main draw or the qualifying draw, due to lack of space. The number of teams is in fact limited (for example, 32 pairs in previa), and once this quota is reached, additional registrations are switched to “alternates”.

How does this list work?

Alternates are classified according to the FIP ranking (at international level). If a team listed in the draw withdraws – due to injury, logistical problems, or a cancelled trip – the first pair on the alternate list is called to replace them.

An opportunity to seize

This system prevents a draw from being incomplete. It also gives lower-ranked pairs a chance to enter the tournament at the last minute. In some cases, alternates have taken advantage of this opportunity to achieve great results.

To be distinguished from the “lucky loser”

This status should not be confused with that of “lucky loser” : a lucky loser is a team that lost in qualifying but was drafted to enter the main draw following a forfeit. The alternate, on the other hand, is still out of competition until a place becomes available.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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