FIP European Padel Championships: Hole-Haddad the mother-daughter pair that loves padel and rocks Hungary

Many players have brought their families. And then there are those who have brought their family onto the court. At the FIP European Padel Championships, one of the most beautiful stories is that of Alexandra “Sandy” Hole and Noa Haddad, mother and daughter who play together for the Hungarian women’s team. A unique “pair,” that, despite not being in the spotlight, has attracted the sympathy and applause of those who have come to watch the matches. “Being here together is incredible, it’s something unique”, says Sandy at the end of the match won against the Polish pair Jeschke/Kunat, which gave Hungary its first tie win in this tournament. “Today we had to be more focused than ever, this day was too important”, A success celebrated with immense joy by the whole team, even if the prize is “only” the thirteenth place in the tournament: it doesn’t matter, given the celebrations reserved for both, applauded and hugged as if they had won a medal. “We have faced many very strong teams in these days and it was important to win this one. We fought until the end and we made it”.

FROM BUSINESS TO THE EUROPEANS The pair are not the only protagonists of the family at these European Championships, as Sandy’s younger daughter and Noa’s little sister also took part in last Sunday’s draw, drawing the tickets with the names of the teams. “It has become a family affair”, both smile. The story of their sporting adventure starts with the mother’s passion for padel: “I started playing as soon as the first courts were built in Hungary”, she says. “I myself run the largest padel club in Hungary, in Budapest. I organize tournaments every week and they are always very crowded. We’re talking about 100-120 people every weekend. The sport is undoubtedly growing throughout the country”, Sandy then convinced her daughter to join her on the court: “I was a tennis player”, says Noa. “She insisted a lot for me to try and in the end, I gave in. Since then, I also fell in love and we became a pair”. The two now play all tournaments together, both in Hungary and internationally, in the CUPRA FIP Tour.

DOUBLE LIFE On the court, Noa says, it is the mother who is more combative: “I learned from her to fight until the last point. She is a great fighter”. Sandy confirms with a smile: “I don’t like losing, it’s not an option”. Once the European Championships are over, mother and daughter will return to their daily lives: Sandy to her club, Noa to her law studies: “But I’m trying to go to Spain as much as possible to train. I’m still 20 years old and I want to improve as a professional”. The mother will also continue her double life as a businesswoman and player: “It’s not easy, but I want to play with her every time I can”.