Oranjestad (Aruba) – Brazil made its mark during the last edition of the Pan American Beach Tennis Championships, winning a total of 28 medals. On Sunday, the Brazilian delegation dominated the sands of Oranjestad, Aruba, securing 13 gold medals, 13 silver medals and two bronze medals. The tournament featured athletes in different categories, including professional, under-18, under-16, under-14 and under-12, in both the men’s and women’s divisions, as well as mixed events.
Among professional tennis players, the teams led by Alex Mingozzi achieved gold and silver in all three disciplines, with notable performances from André Baran, Daniel Mola, Giovanni Cariani, Rafaella Miiller, Vitória Marchezini, Graziele Silva and Marcela Vita.
In the men’s professional category, Hugo Russo and André Baran emerged as champions in men’s doubles, overcoming Daniel Mola and Giovanni Cariani with a score of 6/3 on two occasions. “I have been trying to get this selection for two years; I knew there was a lot of pressure, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could be here and give my best,” Russo celebrated.
Baran returns to Brazil with two additional gold medals from the Pan American Beach Tennis Games. With two titles won on Sunday, the Santa Catarina player now has a total of nine Pan-American medals. Notably, the tournament brought together participants from 17 countries, including the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In the mixed doubles, Baran teamed with Rafa Miiller, defeating Daniel Mola and Victoria Marchezini in the final. With these two titles, the world number one will add 200 points to his international ranking. “As I always say, it is a huge honor to represent my country and carry our flag to the top of the podium. We had an excellent overall performance at the Pan, with several finals featuring Brazilian players and many medals,” said the Praia Clube athlete. Following the Pan, Baran will remain on the island of Aruba, shifting his focus to the world circuit, competing in the Sand Series alongside his partner, Italian Michele Cappelletti. The tournament begins on Thursday, with finals scheduled for Sunday.
Another athlete who shone was Isabela Massaioli, four-time champion in the junior category, achieving consecutive victories in the under-18 category. She and her partner Manuela Archeti triumphed in the final against Júlia Cabral and Maria Nakamura with a score of 6/3 in both sets.
Athletes in the junior categories maintained their momentum and secured 20 places in the final out of 24 possible.
Consult the medal table:
- Women’s doubles:
- Champions: Rafaella Miiller and Vitória Marchezini
- Seconds: Marcela Vita and Graziele Silva
- Men’s doubles:
- Champions: André Baran and Hugo Russo
- Seconds: Daniel Mola and Giovanni Cariani
- Mixed doubles:
- Champions: André Baran and Rafaella Miiller
- Seconds: Daniel Mola and Vitória Marchezini
